The field of volunteer engagement has struggled for decades to gain acceptance both as a legitimate career path and as an essential element in maintaining a professionally managed volunteer workforce. As a certified volunteer administrator (CVA) and someone who participated in the national program for organizational strategic volunteer engagement, Service Enterprise, I have found that many institutions have a blind spot when it comes to recognizing the importance of a well-managed volunteer workforce. 

I once asked why volunteers were not included in the mission statement of an organization. One leader replied that “we do not exist to serve volunteers,” and went on to say that volunteers are a “means to an end.” I was sorely disappointed in that reply and found a way to earnestly and diplomatically share my philosophy that creating effective volunteer engagement requires creating a volunteer culture that is mutually beneficial. It made a difference. The leader shared in a later staff meeting that her mother had been a long-time volunteer at a museum and began to include volunteers when discussing plans to achieve our mission.

When starting my current role 8 years ago, my goal was to professionalize volunteer operations utilizing best practices. A few years later, when I learned about the Service Enterprise accreditation, I engaged museum and board…

Women are transforming the fields of philanthropy and economic leadership, leveraging their influence, resources, and unique approaches to leadership. By emphasizing collaboration, equity, and social justice, women leaders are not only driving impactful change but are also rewriting the narrative of how philanthropy and business can create a more inclusive society. Their contributions to these fields are reshaping the future of giving and economic structures across the globe.

Two of the most prominent women leading the charge in philanthropy today are Mackenzie Scott and Melinda French Gates. These women are changing how we perceive strategic giving and leveraging resources to create systemic change. Mackenzie Scott has emerged as one of the world's leading philanthropists and has donated an estimated $14 billion as of 2023. Her philanthropic approach is unique because she focuses on "trust-based" giving, offering unrestricted funds to underfunded organizations, particularly those led by women and people of color. Scott's strategy aims to empower grassroots organizations and advocates for long-term, sustainable impact, rather than the traditional methods of controlled and highly specific donations.
 
Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has long been a trailblazer in using philanthropy to address critical global issues. Beyond her work in the Gates Foundation, which focuses on health, education,…

Nonprofits thrive on the generosity of donors who believe in their mission, vision, and impact. Recognizing and appreciating donors is a critical component of building relationships, inspiring continued support, and fostering a community united by a common purpose. Hosting donor appreciation events provides nonprofits with an invaluable opportunity to express gratitude, deepen relationships, and showcase the transformative work donors make possible.

Hosting donor appreciation events offers several unique benefits that can have a lasting impact on both the organization and its supporters. These events strengthen the bond between nonprofits and donors by expressing gratitude and showcasing the difference they make. 

Acknowledging and valuing donors

Donor appreciation events celebrate and acknowledge the donors' invaluable contributions. While a thank-you letter or email is a wonderful gesture, nothing replaces the human connection established through in-person interactions. Events allow nonprofits to directly communicate gratitude in a way that’s personal, sincere, and memorable.

Strengthening relationships

These events create an opportunity for donors to meet nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and fellow donors. The opportunity for donors to feel part of a community is powerful, deepening their connection with the organization and giving them a sense of belonging.

Inspiring future giving

When…

In today's globalized world, nonprofit organizations increasingly operate in multicultural environments. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for nonprofit leaders. Effective leadership in such settings requires a unique set of skills, cultural awareness, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Cultivate cultural intelligence

Cultural intelligence  is the ability to relate and work effectively across cultures, and developing high cultural intelligence is crucial.  This involves:

• Self-awareness: Recognize your own cultural background and biases.
• Cultural knowledge: Learn about different cultures, their values, norms, and  communication    styles.
• Adaptability: Be willing to adjust your leadership style to fit cultural contexts.
• Practical steps to improve cultural intelligence include reading about different cultures, attending cultural events, and seeking feedback from team members from diverse backgrounds.

Foster inclusive communication

Clear and inclusive communication is the cornerstone of effective multicultural leadership. Use simple, clear language. Avoid idioms, or complex jargon that may not translate well across cultures. Practice active listening by paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues from team members. Encourage open dialogue. Create safe spaces for team members to share their perspectives and concerns. Use multiple…

We are in an era of increasing digital connectivity and data-driven decision-making, and nonprofit organizations face a critical challenge: protecting the privacy and personal information of their donors, employees, and beneficiaries. As these organizations strive to positively impact society, they must also prioritize the security and ethical handling of sensitive data.

Nonprofit organizations often deal with vulnerable populations and collect sensitive information about their beneficiaries. This data may include personal details, medical histories, financial records, and other confidential information. Protecting this data is a legal obligation and a moral imperative. Possible damage can include issues in several areas, including:

1. Trust and reputation: Beneficiaries entrust nonprofits with their personal information, often in times of need or crisis. A breach of this trust can severely damage an organization's reputation and hinder its ability to fulfill its mission.
2. Legal compliance: Noncompliance to data protection laws can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.
3. Ethical responsibility: Nonprofits have an ethical duty to protect the privacy and dignity of those they serve. Mishandling personal data can lead to discrimination, identity theft, or other harm to beneficiaries.
4. Operational integrity: Effective data…