Many organizations struggle to find individuals with the necessary skills and networks to advance their mission effectively. However, with the right approach and preparation, attracting top-notch board members is achievable. Here are some essential tips for successful board recruitment:
In the nonprofit sector, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Professional development isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital component for nonprofit leaders and their teams to thrive.
It’s Leap Day! So, in today’s article, I am going to share tons of extras for you to enjoy!
In the rapidly changing world of nonprofit fundraising, adaptation and innovation are key. As the landscape evolves and becomes increasingly competitive, nonprofit leaders must equip themselves with effective strategies to thrive in this environment.
Unlock the complexities of strategic planning with our comprehensive guide, providing definitions for key terms such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, and stakeholder analysis. Empower your nonprofit team to navigate the strategic planning process with confidence and clarity, ensuring alignment with your organization's mission and vision.
Discover practical strategies to combat high turnover in nonprofit organizations with our latest blog. Learn how to address key factors contributing to turnover, including competitive wages, collaborative work environments, and comprehensive benefits. Explore actionable insights and expert advice to retain valuable staff members and drive sustainable growth. Partner with Spark Group Consulting to optimize your organization's retention efforts and maximize impact.
The relationship between Executive Directors (EDs) and the Board of Directors is pivotal for successful operations and long-term sustainability. However, these relationships often come with their fair share of challenges. In this blog, we will explore common pitfalls and offer valuable insights on how to foster harmonious collaboration between EDs and Boards.
As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to highlight some of Spark Group’s exciting moments. Read on to learn about some of Spark Group’s proudest accomplishments of the past year. Thank you to everyone who worked with us in 2023; we can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
In today’s world, where work can follow you anyway, it is hard to take time off. It is hard to set boundaries around work and life outside of work. It is hard to unplug. Nonprofit organizations do amazing things with limited resources and staff, which is wonderful for the mission and the communities they serve, but it can also make it hard for many nonprofit organizations to create space for time off.
At Spark Group, two of our all-time favorite talking points are about strategy and proactivity. That’s because we think if you were to boil down all our advice and resources for nonprofits to two simple concepts, here is where you would land! In fact, these two concepts are really what Spark Group was built around. Have you heard the Spark Group origin story before? Keep reading to find out!
Join our host, Mary Gladstone-Highland, and her guest, Nick Lutton, on this empowering episode as they inspire nonprofit leaders to embrace advocacy, turning hesitation into a force for legislative change. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting your journey, this episode is a roadmap for transforming your organization's impact through the strategic use of lobbying.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we often encounter conversations about gratitude. Maybe we make a special point to express gratitude in our homes, places of worship, schools, or workplaces … but what about our nonprofit boards? (Insert sound of record scratching here!) I get it; as we get closer and closer to the busy holiday season, a lot of times we want to get in and out of those monthly board meetings as quickly as possible. There are so many other things we have to take care of, let’s not add to the list, right?! And yet, what better time and place to take just a moment and reflect on gratitude than on your nonprofit board?
Year-end appeals are not just a tradition; they are a crucial part of your fundraising arsenal. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of year-end appeals, backed by data and insights, and discuss why they should not be neglected.
Strategic planning is the backbone of any organization's success, but it often comes with its own unique vocabulary. If you've ever found yourself in a meeting where terms like "SWOT analysis," "KPIs," or "strategic alignment" were thrown around, you're not alone.
In your 2024 strategic plan, nonprofit leaders should prioritize leadership equity, adapt fundraising efforts, build a reserve fund, and focus on retaining and hiring quality employees to navigate the ever-changing nonprofit landscape effectively.
Join our host, Mary Gladstone-Highland as she interviews Adrian Mendoza and hears about his tale of remaining resilient in times of crisis.
In this blog, we'll explore the importance of understanding your organization's position within the life cycle and outline three key steps to prepare for your upcoming strategic planning process.
As nonprofit leaders, we often find ourselves in the role of guiding discussions, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that the goals of our organizations are met through effective group dynamics. To excel in this role, we need to continually refine our facilitation skills. In this blog, we'll explore three essential tips to elevate your facilitation game and create more impactful and engaging experiences for your team, stakeholders, and participants.
Year-end campaigns are a crucial component of a nonprofit's fundraising strategy. When executed with careful planning and attention to detail, they can yield significant returns, enabling organizations to continue their vital work. To make the most of this opportunity, nonprofits must start planning early and incorporate a key ingredient: a compelling campaign narrative.
Join host Mary Gladstone-Highland in a compelling conversation with Dorothy Norris-Tirrell, Interim Executive Director at the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, on the Nonprofit Experts podcast. Discover intentionality's pivotal role in hiring, the dangers of hasty recruitment, and the valuable insights offered by interim leadership during times of transition.
Discover how 'Calm: How to End Destructive Conflict in Your Church' offers proactive conflict resolution and decision-making strategies for nonprofit leaders. Learn valuable skills to foster healthy communities and adapt to virtual environments. A must-have resource for any organization seeking unity and success.
