by Tom Okarma | May 26, 2011 | Blog, Leadership
In these days of tight budgets and a limited pool of available philanthropic dollars, nonprofits need a crisp, clear, and compelling message-one that grabs peoples’ attention and clearly demonstrates the purpose and foundational basis for its work. Donors want to give...
by Tom Okarma | May 2, 2011 | Blog, Leadership, Strategic Planning
OK, so your donations may not be coming in at levels you thought this year but at least you are still pretty much on budget. You still need to be aware of a clear and present danger that has recently reared its head. I’m talking about the nation’s desire to address...
by Tom Okarma | Apr 20, 2011 | Blog, Leadership
Now that we are well into 2011, it is a good time to assess progress on those priorities you set in your 2011 plan. First, are the “main things” you identified last fall still your “main things” or do you need to re-assess your key initiatives? And perhaps more...
by Tom Okarma | Mar 31, 2011 | Blog, Leadership
Agencies that serve the basic needs of low-income people are seeing record requests for help and most are under considerable strain. But I recently spoke to one with a compelling story and an enviable track record of success that is thriving, even in this economy. Do...
by Tom Okarma | Mar 29, 2011 | Blog, Governance, Leadership
I just read an article in the Chicago Tribune about a recently elected politician who has requested and received $200,000 from several large nonprofit foundations to fund transition costs as he prepares to take office. I have to admit I was a bit surprised to hear...
by Tom Okarma | Mar 19, 2011 | Blog, Board Development, Leadership, Strategic Planning
One comment I hear executive directors make with some regularity is how they wish they could figure out how to expand their volunteer and donor base to include younger people. I notice, though, that in practice these same executive directors continue to do the...
