Nonprofits, Social Enterprise, and Hot Buttons
Wow, I was sure that something terrible had been discovered when I read these newsfeed headlines earlier this month: Social Enterprises Linked to Poor Performance in Nonprofits (Nonprofit Quarterly)...
View ArticleWhen Fundraising Campaigns Don’t Ask For Funds
Would you consider me a supporter if I made a $100 contribution? Absolutely. What if I didn’t send money, but if I clicked my mouse a few times? If it leads to a grant, I suppose you would. Is the...
View ArticleWho Wins in Charity Contests?
Last month I posted this blog asking whether charity contests like Pepsi Refresh are ultimately productive for the nonprofits that participate. The cash is great when you win, but at what cost? In this...
View ArticleWhat happens when public budgeting theory meets nonprofit cash flow reality?
There have been many columns and editorials about the dangers of state governments using budget strategies that are no more than accounting gimmicks. Transfer reserves from one fund to another. Use...
View ArticleWhen the worst case scenario is really soon
For the last six weeks or so there have been quiet conversations and meetings at nonprofits to prepare contingency plans in case of a state shutdown. As with all contingency plans, no one wanted to...
View ArticleJuggling the “what ifs” for Minnesota nonprofits
Some choices that nonprofit leaders have to make are really tough. Others are tougher. Right now, there are many nonprofits in Minnesota that need to make some of these choices in the next few weeks...
View ArticleIn praise of slack
Ah, summer. A time for hammocks, reading on the porch, and leaving early every day. If only this were true. There was a time in my professional life when summers really were slower-paced, with fewer...
View ArticleGoodbye to 2011 and some hopes for 2012
There have been years when I hated to see the year end because of all the wonderful, joyful events that had occurred. This year, though, was pretty mixed in terms of the financial health and...
View ArticlePaying Attention to “Pay for Performance”
Have you read or heard about Social Impact Bonds, Pay for Performance or Pay for Success Bonds? The concept of service providers in the community might be paid for their results (instead of for...
View ArticleCut your budget smartly to avoid whittling away your mission
We have all read our fill of urgent headlines about our nation’s budget debate. The complexities inherent in a financial system the size of our government have been reduced to sound bites, slogans,...
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