Change is inevitable. Leadership is a dynamic process of constant change. An organization without structure will fail to even begin working towards its goals. Many nonprofits operate within a traditional structure where the leadership hierarchy is a single leader who commands and controls workers using a top-down pyramidical structure. The push to reject traditional hierarchy’s burdensome, regressive, and harmful structure is gaining ground. Within a traditional leadership setting, the responsibility for the success of a nonprofit organization rests on the shoulders of one person.

As global society continues to change, inequities expand. It would benefit nonprofit professionals to examine how their nonprofit organization could better achieve its mission by embracing nontraditional methods of leadership that don’t rely on one individual providing all decisions and leadership.

Traditional hierarchies develop frustration in workers due to artificial ceilings that are created by their limitations. Leadership structures that diverge from the traditional hierarchy are being considered by some nonprofits in order to realize new ways to share power with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and focus on succession planning. Flatter organizational structures are being sought out to create job access, build economic security, and to use as an example of what a reimagined economy can look like. Changes in the leadership structure of nonprofits…

In today's ever-changing social sector, nonprofits face the challenge of adapting to dynamic societal needs, technological advancements, and evolving stakeholder preferences. Recognizing and adapting to these changes is essential for organizations striving to navigate the complexities of our world effectively, enhance organizational sustainability, and drive meaningful impact in their communities. From charitable giving trends to public accountability to community engagement, nonprofit and philanthropic entities are navigating a multifaceted environment that demands strategic reassessment and innovative approaches.

Traditional power dynamics and fundraising practices can perpetuate inequity and hinder efforts to address systemic societal issues. Many societal issues are too large, complex, and deeply rooted in systems for individual organizations to tackle alone. In these cases, collaborative partnerships and community-centric approaches have emerged as crucial strategies for driving systems change and addressing root societal issues.

Community-centric fundraising and community-engaged philanthropy are progressive models that prioritize equitable practices, authentic and ethical relationship building, and relational community engagement. Community-centric fundraising emphasizes prioritizing entire communities over individual organizations, valuing all contributions and contributors equally, and fostering sustainable, equitable, and inclusive…

The landscape of charitable giving is changing. While the Baby Boomers, our traditional supporters, are gradually giving less, a new generation of passionate philanthropists is stepping up: the Millennials. As digital natives, Millennials are setting new standards for giving, prioritizing online platforms, social sharing, and transparency in impact. They expect a seamless, tech-friendly, personalized experience everywhere they interact – from shared transportation (e.g., Lyft, Uber), to where they buy their toiletries (e.g., Amazon), and where they stream their shows and movies (e.g., Netflix, Hulu). Their philanthropy is no exception. To truly connect with this generation, nonprofits must engage a powerful new ally: artificial intelligence (AI).

Millennials: The tech-savvy donors

Millennials are leading the charge in transforming philanthropy. Like past generations that enjoyed seeing the progress of a community fundraiser on large, hand-drawn thermometers displayed in lobbies, Millennials crave real-time data and transparency on their devices. They want to see their contributions' tangible impact immediately and actively seek out organizations that clearly and quickly communicate their goals and results. This generation gravitates toward online platforms that provide immediate feedback and allow them to track their donations, just like the old fundraising thermometers did before the digital age. Platforms like GoFundMe and DonorsChoose –…

The foundational relationship between nonprofit executive leadership and the board of directors provides the groundwork for success, acting as the pillars for organizational operations and goals. A robust working relationship between these two parties must be in place to work efficiently towards achieving the organization's mission, vision, and goals. This is not always easy to reach. A 2009 study highlights that all organizations are unique entities with different needs, resources, and staffing situations, meaning that no solution will ever be one size fits all. Despite this, the same 2009 study recognizes there are several core features that can be implemented to promote success in the relationship between executive leadership and the board of directors within a nonprofit organization. 

So what can be done? 

Create an understanding of roles and expectations

Whether your board of directors or executive leadership are new to their role or have years of experience, all nonprofit organizations differ. Both the board and leadership should ensure one another is appropriately set up to perform their role best, and the best way to do this is through a deep understanding of what is required. Ensure that there is a proper onboarding period for all new members that allows them to familiarize themselves with existing or new protocols, active and past projects, and,…

Nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing social and environmental issues and improving the welfare of communities. However, these organizations' success heavily relies on their employees' capabilities and dedication. In the nonprofit sector, employees are responsible for implementing  programs, delivering services, and engaging with stakeholders. Therefore, nonprofits must invest in their employees' well-being to ensure they are motivated, productive, and committed to their mission.

Employee well-being refers to an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health. In the nonprofit sector, employees often face multiple challenges, including high workload, limited resources, and exposure to traumatic situations. These challenges can lead to burnout, a widespread problem that affects the nonprofit sector.

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by chronic stress or prolonged exposure to stressful situations, which can lead to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and turnover, ultimately affecting the organization's performance and mission. To prevent burnout and promote employee well-being, nonprofits must prioritize their employee's needs and invest in resources and support systems that promote physical and mental health. Here are some of the ways nonprofits can invest in employee well-being.

Provide competitive compensation and benefits

Nonprofit employees are often passionate…