Blog
Managing Nonprofit Leadership Transitions: How Back Office Services Ensure Continuity
Ensure operational continuity during nonprofit leadership transitions. Learn how shared back office services protect your mission and stability, including a 4-phase framework and board readiness checklist.
Building a Nonprofit Leadership Pipeline: A Strategic Succession Planning Framework
Adopting a strategic nonprofit succession planning framework helps organizations implement succession planning as a proactive leadership development strategy.
Strategic Thinking for Nonprofit Leadership: 6 Core Skills
Discover how strategic thinking powers future‑focused leadership. Learn six essential skills for nonprofit leaders and mission‑driven organizations.
Building Internal Readiness for Nonprofit Partnerships
What if partnerships weren’t a last resort—but a proactive strategy for growth, sustainability, and greater mission impact? Learn how to cultivate readiness for nonprofit partnerships and what readiness looks like.
The Leadership Cliff: Why Succession Planning Can’t Wait
Leadership transitions are inevitable. Planning for them isn’t. Learn what the leadership cliff is, why succession planning is so important, and what readiness for succession planning looks like.
Turning Vision into Action: How to Approach Strategic Planning with Purpose and Clarity
Strategic planning is not just a document or a deadline—it’s a process, helping organizations move from intention to impact and align mission, vision, and values. Here are our insights on how to approach strategic planning, including five foundational elements to include.
Three Areas Nonprofits Can Invest In During a Pause or Uncertainty
In the current landscape of uncertainty, organizations are being forced to pause. And while that pause can feel like a setback, it can also be an opportunity. Here are three areas where nonprofits can invest—even during a pause.
Connection as a Leadership Strategy During Uncertain Times
The nonprofit sector is navigating a prolonged period of disruption. What’s needed now more than ever is connection. Get our insights and considerations about using connection and emotional intelligence as a leadership strategy.
What Nonprofits Can Do During a Government Shutdown (and What We’ve Learned from Past Crises)
Government shutdowns can create more than uncertainty and chaos. In these conditions, it is hard to stay focused on the strategic vision you have set. Here are four key actions to consider, plus lessons from the 2015 - 2017 Illinois budget impasse and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Storytelling is Critical to Organizational Culture and How to Use Stories to Shape Your Culture
Storytelling can shift culture, align values, and inspire transformation. Learn why storytelling is critical to organizational culture and how to use stories to shape your culture.
Leading Through Uncertainty: 5 Strategies Nonprofit Leaders Can Use to Empower Teams and Stay Mission-Focused
Even in times of uncertainty, leadership still holds meaningful influence. Here are five key strategies nonprofit leaders can use to empower their teams, strengthen their organizations, and stay aligned with their mission.
Are We Going to Be Alright? How to Communicate When the Answer Isn’t Clear
In times of uncertainty, leadership isn’t about having the answers - it’s about showing up, staying grounded, and communicating with clarity and care. Read why communication matters now more than ever, and our five principles to guide your communication strategy during uncertain times.
Navigate Periods of Change While Maintaining Mission Focus Through Contingency Planning and Abundance Mindset
In times of volatility, nonprofits must strengthen their ability to adapt quickly. A disciplined contingency planning process ensures that when challenges arise, your leadership, staff, and board are ready to respond, not react. Here are our tips for contingency planning and building an abundance mindset.
Building Cultural Alignment and Fostering Development in Nonprofit Teams
Understanding and nurturing workplace culture is essential for driving organizational success. Here are three tips for prioritizing team development to build strong, collaborative teams that can drive innovation and long-term success.
Why Organizational Culture is Important and How to Build a Healthy Decision-Making Culture
For better or worse, organizational culture drives your nonprofit’s decision-making processes. Learn why organizational culture is so important, the challenges of toxic culture, and how to build a healthy organizational culture that leads to better governance and effective decision-making.
Navigate Uncertainty with Scenario Planning and Management Routines
In times of financial and operational uncertainties, scenario planning and proactive management routines can help nonprofits ensure their resilience and continue to serve their communities effectively.
2025 is Shaping Up to Be a Doozy
In this honest note, CEO Greg Petersen explores the challenges and the opportunities facing nonprofits in 2025, from navigating leadership transitions to forging bold partnerships.
How to Develop Your Organization’s “Why”
Understanding the core purpose of your organization—the "why"—is fundamental to its success, as it helps align your team, guides decision-making, and fosters a deeper connection to the mission. Read our actionable overview of how to develop your organization’s “why.”
How to Build a Strong Organizational Culture for Nonprofits
A strong organizational culture helps ensure that your mission, values, and vision are shared and embraced by all stakeholders. Here’s a framework that addresses both staff and board roles in fostering a cohesive, aligned, strong organizational culture.
Developing a Partnership and Merger Strategy for Nonprofits
Having a robust partnership and merger strategy is essential not only for growing your organization's impact but also for addressing uncertainties, changing funding environments, a shifting political landscape, and regulatory challenges. Here are our tips for developing your partnership and merger strategy.