Emerging Executive

Help! Some of my Board Members Do Nothing!

As a consultant I hear this lament all the time.  And I always ask, “Are your board members aware of their expected role and responsibilities?”  The onus is initially on you to ensure the answer to this question is yes. The board chair is generally responsible for intervening if there are issues with board involvement and participation.

You might have board members who are joining a board for the first time.  Others may be more seasoned board members, yet serve on boards that are different from yours.  Perhaps they have more staff and there are fewer requirements for support from board members.  First thing’s first.  Check your board job description and update it if necessary.

Whose responsibility is it to “do something” about board members who are undependable? Continue reading

The Frustrated Volunteer!

“I wish I had a magic wand.” How many times do you or others say that, especially if you work in the nonprofit sector?

I recently read this question in the Boston Globe about volunteering.  “I want to find a volunteering opportunity and start doing something good for the world, but it seems like every organization makes it a hassle to volunteer”. 

Nonprofit organizations depend on volunteers.  Your board is all volunteer, and if you are a smaller organization, you likely rely heavily on volunteers to get many things done.  Some organizations might even be all volunteer groups.

In desperation to find volunteers, requests are posted online or through word-of-mouth on an as needs basis with a lack of strategic thinking around volunteers.   An eager new volunteer turns up ready willing and able to work for the organization.  And there’s nobody there to support him or her. 
Continue reading

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) Distributed $19 billion in 2017 

Donor- advised funds experienced growth in every key charitable giving benchmark in 2017, according to the National Philanthropic Trust. (NPT). 

Assets destined for charitable grant making in all DAF accounts totaled $110 billion, up by 27.3% from 2016.  The payout rate is nearly four times higher than that of private foundation, according to NPT.

It is thought that tax reform drove many to "prefund" their philanthropy in 2017 when the value of their tax deduction could be higher. 

To get the 2018 DAF report click here.

 Social Media Is The Fastest-Growing Phenomenon Of The Modern Age.

Need to get started on Facebook or Instagram? This is a must have for any organization looking to raise their brand awareness or fundraising. There is no faster or broader-reaching communication method than social media. It's literally your window to instantly put your message and stories in front of millions of people.

But we often read that we "must" produce content that has the capacity to go viral. However, few have been truly able to communicate the "secret sauce"  and share the various online tools  that can help us get the desired engagements QUICKLY. This ends now! In partnership with Gracious Movement, we are happy to now offer social media services to nonprofits including a FREE assessment. 

Outsourcing your social media to us will ensure you have a professionally managed social media campaign at a great price point that should deliver you a solid return on investment. 
Drop us a line today and we’ll let you know how we think social media marketing will work BEST for you.

Applications now Open for The Boston Foundation Open Door Grants:  Due February 1, 2019 

Join a Critical Conversation on Race, Ethnicity and Equity in January/February 2019

 In early 2019, Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) will take part in
YW Boston's Dialogues on Race and Ethnicity program. We are organizing a cohort of nonprofit professionals to participate (in addition to MNN staff) and invite you to consider taking part.
 
The program engages groups of professionals in meaningful conversations about issues of race and ethnicity over the course of five facilitated dialogue sessions in late January and February 2019. Participants will learn about key concepts in race and ethnicity, illuminate differences and commonalities in lived experience, and collaboratively develop action plans to improve inclusion in the workplace. The program is free for participants.
 
Space is limited, so MNN cannot guarantee that all who express interest will be able to take part.

Good Read: Small Great Things by Jodi Piccault.  A "can't put this book down" story that also deals with the weighty topic of racism. One of her best books and one everyone should read!  

Like the National Theater  UK Productions?  Don't miss the opportunity in December to see The BarberShop Chronicles on its US tour at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge.  

And finally the Peabody Essex Museum has yet another great exhibition:  Empresses of China's Forbidden City.

A Quick Reminder

Our services at Emerging Executive help nonprofit organizations through the most appropriate combination of consulting, executive coaching, or training for your organization, and always incorporates practical experience and feedback. Services include: board and leadership development, executive coaching, strategic planning, and grant writing.