Advocacy is a loaded word in the nonprofit context. And when nonprofit leaders, advisors, and others discuss the role of nonprofit advocacy, there are often misunderstandings, tension, and conflict. Some will say all 501(c)(3) organizations must advocate for their mission. Others will say that not all 501(c)(3) organizations should engage in advocacy depending on their […]
governance
2026 Leading with Intent Survey
BoardSource’s survey in connection with the upcoming Leading with Intent report remains open to responses through August 31, 2026. Leading with Intent (LWI) is BoardSource’s signature research initiative on nonprofit board leadership since 1994. BoardSource provides data and trends on board composition, structure, practices, and leadership dynamics across the sector. We are pleased to share that the […]
A Deeper Examination: Vision and Nonprofit Governance
Nonprofits often point to their mission, their values, and their vision. Under the purpose-driven board leadership (PDBL) model, these three characteristics set an organization’s purpose. The last of these characteristics, vision, is the one that receives the least attention and likely creates the most confusion. Here’s the definition I like: An organization’s vision is a […]
Nonprofit Governance and AI – Introduction
Many nonprofit board members recognize the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is having at their workplace and in their personal lives. But it seems that only a small percentage are taking proactive steps, or even reactive steps, in response to the implications AI may be having on the nonprofits they help govern. The board’s role is […]
Contra Costa Nonprofit Partnership Fair: Supplement
I had the honor of delivering the opening plenary address at the Contra Costa Nonprofit Partnership Fair on March 28. Prior to the Fair, I published a post with information and resources on nonprofit legal compliance and boards and board members. In this post, I provide some additional information and resources for attendees and others. Transcript of […]
Nonprofit Leadership: Delegation
Nonprofit board members and managers rely on delegating their responsibilities to others. Of course, the size of the organization will dictate the options, persons, groups, and contractors involved. This post is aimed principally at nonprofit corporations with at least a few employees holding management-level responsibilities and will not discuss the very important employee – independent […]
More on Nonprofits and Climate Change
I’ve been writing and speaking on the responsibilities of virtually all nonprofits and their leaders to consider climate change (and pollution) in planning and decision-making. See, for example, What’s Your Nonprofit Doing to Fight Climate Change? Expectedly, I’ve received some push back from attorneys and others about the requirement not to divert charitable assets away […]
2023 NAAG/NASCO Annual Charities Conference
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) and National Association of State Charities Officials (NASCO) are holding their 2023 Charities Conference virtually on October 11-12, 2023. The conference is unique in its targeting of attendees representing government regulators, nonprofits, and professional advisors. The cost of registration is $100. Register here through Monday, October 9. Wednesday, […]
Fiscal Sponsorship and Board Governance
On July 11, 2023, Fiscal Sponsor Conversations (“the weekly form for fiscal sponsors”) focused its discussion on governance for fiscal sponsors. What role does your Board of Directors play in your organization’s fiscal sponsorship work? How is it working? What could be improved? As with most things in fiscal sponsorship, there isn’t one single “right” […]
The Nonprofit Board Member You’d Love to Recruit
Shortly after writing The Nonprofit Board You’d Love to Join, it seemed important to look at this issue from the other direction. The following is a list of ten attractive characteristics of a board member from the perspective of a charity: Ten Attractive Characteristics of a Nonprofit Board Member Deeply connected to the mission This is […]