Are Local Board Retreat Facilitators Really the Best Value?
Release Date: 10/09/2023
The Power of Possibility: A Growth Mindset Blueprint for Nonprofit Leaders
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
In today’s rapidly evolving nonprofit landscape, executive directors and board members face an on onslaught of challenges—from dwindling funding sources to rapidly shifting community needs. More than ever, a mindset that embraces continuous learning, bold innovation, and courageous teamwork is essential. I recently read Carol Dweck’s bestselling book called “Mindset.” Her groundbreaking work on mindsets is the inspiration for this podcast which explores how nonprofits can break free from the constraints of a “fixed mindset” and adopt a “growth mindset” that propels...
info_outline
Unlocking Generosity: Motivate Your Donors to Give More Without Pressure
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Encouraging donors to increase their contributions is a delicate endeavor. This podcast explores several practical and effective tactics to achieve the balance needed to inspire donors to give more generously while maintaining their trust and enthusiasm without alienating or pressuring them. Tune in now!
info_outline
Stewardship Tactics That are Sure to Keep Donors Tied to Your Cause
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Did you know that 53% of donors stop giving because they feel unappreciated, and 41% cite lack of acknowledgment or thanks as their reason? Conversely, loyal donors give 42% more over their lifetime and are 70% more likely to leave a planned gift. These numbers underscore the critical need for nonprofits to build and implement a robust stewardship plan. Without it, donors can feel like transactional cash machines rather than valued partners in your mission. Effective stewardship isn’t just about saying thank you; it’s about cultivating meaningful, genuine relationships. When done...
info_outline
When Nonprofit Boards Meddle: The Dangers of Micromanagement
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
If you're tired of your board meddling in the daily operations of your nonprofit . . . this podcast is for you!
info_outline
Boardroom Ghosting: How Ignoring Staff Emails Drains Nonprofit Momentum
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Nonprofit boards play a critical role in guiding the organizations they serve, helping steer decisions, ensuring fiscal health, and offering strategic oversight. However, one glaring issue that’s often swept under the rug is the lack of prompt responses to communications from executive directors and staff. Emails and important requests from staff frequently go unanswered or receive delayed responses from board members. This behavior, while common, is not only disrespectful but also sends a clear and damaging message to the very people who keep the organization running day in and day out. ...
info_outline
Avoid Last-Minute Blues: Tips for Planning Ahead for Strategic Planning
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Plan Early for a Stress-Free, High-Impact Session Planning a strategic session for your nonprofit can be one of the most impactful moments of the year—a chance to reset, strategize, and inspire your team. But let’s be honest: waiting until the last minute to plan such an important event can lead to unnecessary stress, limited options, and a lackluster experience. On the flip side, planning early opens doors to creativity, thoughtful preparation, and the opportunity to create a transformative experience for everyone involved. This podcast explores explore why planning early is not...
info_outline
How to Host the Best Board Development Retreat Ever! Winning Checklist – 17 Keys to Success
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Have you ever sat through a board retreat and thought, “What a waste of time!” You’re squished in a windowless room, squirming in a chair that feels like granite, and longing for the next break. Worse yet, the facilitator is boring, the content is useless, board members are texting, and the food is stale! If you’re in the process of planning a retreat, don’t settle! It’s possible to put together an amazing day that’s engaging, meaningful, memorable, and fun. All it takes is a little planning and ingenuity. Listen in to the following checklist to make sure you have all the...
info_outline
From Coffee to Commitment: Mastering Donor Meetings with Preparation
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, meeting with a donor for coffee (or any in-person meeting), whether they are a potential supporter or a current contributor, is one of the most crucial interactions you’ll have. This isn’t just a casual coffee chat; it’s a pivotal meeting that can define a donor’s impression of you, your organization, and may determine whether they make moderate gift, a significant one, or none at all. The stakes are high and coming prepared can greatly increase the likelihood you’ll leave with a smile and the outcome you desired. To learn more about how to...
info_outline
Strategic Planning: What’s Better, A One-Year or Five-Year Plan?
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
In today's rapidly changing world, clinging to the traditional five-year strategic plan is not just outdated—it's impractical. Organizations need to adapt quickly to survive, and a long-term plan often becomes a liability and burden rather than a guide and roadmap. Instead, a one-year strategic plan, monitored monthly and updated annually, proves to be a far more effective and cost-efficient approach to planning. To learn more, listen in!
info_outline
Tactics for Building a "Value Network" for your Nonprofit
The Nonprofit Mentor -- Tips, Tools & Tactics from the Trenches for Nonprofit Leaders -- by Tom Iselin
Tactics for Building a "Value Network" for your Nonprofit The nonprofit world is a quirky one. Many nonprofits are founded by passionate people with little or no nonprofit experience. Many board members have little or no nonprofit experience, and many staff members have little or no nonprofit or business experience. The result is often a lot of wasted time and effort. Mistakes are made, resources are poorly allocated, and problems are ignored. People get involved and things get done, but no one is sure what should be done, how it should be done, or who should be responsible to do what....
info_outlineNonprofits play a critical role in addressing societal issues, but their effectiveness often hinges on the strength of their leadership, especially the board.
One way to enhance the performance of a nonprofit’s board of directors is by organizing retreats. They can improve engagement, performance, governance, fundraising skills, all of which can propel the organization to the next level of impact.
This is all the more reason to hire a high-quality retreat facilitator. And though you may feel it’s risky to hire a facilitator from outside your region, it may also be a game-changer. Sure, it’s nice to keep things local, but sometimes you get what you pay for . . . which, in some cases, can mean mediocre results.
Retreats and planning sessions are too important to skimp on. Listen in and learn seven compelling reasons why you should consider looking beyond your region or state when searching for your next retreat facilitator.