When people think of lobbying, they often envision well-funded interest groups, not local nonprofits fighting for community change. But nonprofits often serve on the front lines, helping our most vulnerable populations and deeply understanding the issues that hold people back and let them thrive. Nonprofits have every right to lobby legislators—and they should.

These examples demonstrate the importance of taking the time and effort to assure that you have good, up-to-date data upon which to base your fund development plan and decisions as it will save you time – and raise more money – in the long run. 

National data suggests that individuals give 80-90% of donations to all types of organizations. If you want to raise more money or diversify your funding streams, you need a strong major gift program.

Nonprofits across the Quad Cities face an uncertain financial future. Recent shifts in federal grant funding – freezes, reductions, and policy overhauls – have create ripple effects that threaten organizational stability and disrupt critical services for the most vulnerable residents.

A new Federal Grant Impact Report by Wastyn & Associates reveals the extent of these changes. The findings confirm what many nonprofit leaders already feel: financial uncertainty, staff stress, and competition for limited dollars.

The federal grants environment has been – in a word – “interesting” the last two months. But rather than sit back and let change happen to you and your organization, I recommend that you take an active role – starting immediately – to manage the change rather than let it manage you.

By taking a strategic approach – on fundable projects, conducting deep research, and assessing both qualification and logistical fit – you ensure that you pursue the right opportunities rather than just lots of opportunities.

Here are 6 ways your board can help navigate change in your organization.

Successfully engaging staff in organizational change begins with creating an organizational culture that supports change.

Now that you have identified the problem and the type of problem, we move to the next phase: generating solutions.

Once you effectively identify the problem – the real problem, you need to categorize the type of problem you have.

Understanding the steps of organizational change management is fairly simple; implementing them is not.

By applying appropriate conflict management strategies, you can more effectively guide conflicts toward positive resolutions that strengthen your relationships and improve organizational dynamics.

8 reasons why it's importance to have term limits for your board.

Ask these 10 questions to recruit the best board and board members for your organization.

Read my top 4 benefits of taking time for professional development, whether in person or virtually, to recharge and grow in your profession.

13 years ago on August 1, 2011, I embarked on an adventure when I left the comfort of my job to focus full-time on my business that allows me to do what I love: helping nonprofit organizations succeed.

Thinking and acting strategically means taking into consideration both your mission and your aspirations when making any decision.

A movement has existed for years to include more equitable language in philanthropy, especially in grant applications. This blog explains why.

What does a culture of philanthropy look like and how can you create one at your organization? Here are 4 helpful steps to get there.

While nothing will guarantee that your development professional will never leave your organization, these tips should help minimize the chances that they will begin looking for their next opportunity as soon as the ink dries on their contract with you.