Nonprofit

Program Officer Part 2

Program Officer Part 2

Program Officer:  Friend of Foe? Part 2  In our second installment of Program Officer: Friend or Foe we find that the exceptional Program Officer has become more than a friend and moved into the role of Champion!  Five years after Project Streamline explored the burdens of grant applications and reporting, their new report explores streamlining trends, success, barriers and perceptions. It looks at where the field is with streamlining and where it should go next. This new report Practices That Matter: Taking Stock of Streamlining  exposes the Streamline Champion!  Streamlining grants applications and reporting requires grant makers to take time to gather information about their process…read more →

Program Officer: Friend or Foe – Part 1

Program Officer: Friend or Foe – Part 1

The Program Officer: Friend or Foe  The word “philanthropy” derives from the Ancient Greek phrase philanthropia, meaning “to love people.” When you think about a foundation program officer do you imagine a benevolent professional who loves, or at least cares, about the very people who benefit from the grant awards or do you feel like program officers are all politics, pressure and power? Would you be surprised to know that your perception and your actions have more to do with your answer than it has to do with the position of a program officer, philanthropy or foundations? Sure, grants have…read more →

Philanthropy-Social-Economy-2013

Philanthropy-Social-Economy-2013

Must Read & Free Resource “Philanthropy and the Social Economy: Blueprint 2013”   A  Must Read on Philanthropy and the Social Economy for 2013 I give you recommendations for reads through my Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Daily Grant Gear and through the Get Grants Do Good – G+ Community. I want to be very clear, this post goes well beyond my usual sharing of information to a full on recommendation to persuade you to read the ‘’Philanthropy and Social Economy: Blueprint for 2013”.   What is the Social Economy The social economy refers to the all the ways that we direct private resources…read more →

Board Commitments, Are You Clear?

Board Commitments, Are You Clear?

Board Member Responsibility Your Board Members joined your organization and accepted the responsibility of their role on the Board.  Board Members need to clearly understand those responsibilities and the expectations for their commitments and contributions.  You will want to make sure that all board members know how many events and meetings they should expect to attend. They should also know whether or not a personal commitment is expected.  Here are some tips and tools from the Council of Nonprofits: Share a sample board member agreement with the prospective board member during the cultivation process. Share this handout on How to Be a Great…read more →

Giving the Gratitude for Grants

Giving the Gratitude for Grants

Grab an Attitude of Gratitude! We are deep into the “Month of Gratitude” and Thanksgiving is upon us. I am taking time to reflect upon the things I am thankful for, like: my amazing son, my loving rescued miniature schnauzer, the quick return of my working  laptop (tear), my mom and her supportive community,  and the blessing of being able to help others do good in their jobs and in their organizations! I could go on and on…I have a lot for which I am thankful.  When I think of times of gratitude during my career with grants, snapshot memories flash…read more →

Building Virtual Trust to Win Grants

Building Virtual Trust to Win Grants

Build Virtual Trust to Win Grants Building trust is key to fundraising, grant seeking, partnerships and client services. is important, including grant seeking.   Building virtual trust is an essential element to building trust for your organization. Our world is wired to share information and build our reputations. Your reputation as an agency, as a board, as a program, and as a professional can impact the organization’s ability to secure funding. Building your online reputation and online relationships is vital to your organization’s reputation and you will increase your fundraising and grant seeking success. Grantors and donors feel entitled to having your…read more →

4 Reasons  You Want to Check Your Bylaws

4 Reasons You Want to Check Your Bylaws

Why do you want to invest time and energy in your Nonprofit Bylaws?   You want smooth operations  You value transparency and accountability  You do what is required  You want protection & clarity    1. Your Operating Manual Bylaws serve as an operating manual for your organization.  Your organization Bylaws address the principles, frameworks and, in some cases, policies for the overall governance of the organization.  Bylaws do not address the day-to-day operations details that the executive directors and employees oversee.  Bylaws often contain key policies regarding conflicts of interest and duties of loyalty. They are intended to be a…read more →