Resources
Got some pain points?
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Resources
Got some pain points?
Search for some solutions here.
Nonprofits Are a Mickey Mouse Operation
You know, as someone who's spent years in the nonprofit world, I never thought I'd be drawing professional inspiration from a family vacation to Disney World. But here I am, fresh off a week of magic, mouse ears, and... surprisingly relevant insights for our sector....
Are You Losing Your Best Fundraisers?
Let’s face it: Development Director turnover is high. Like... really high. We're talking about an average tenure of just 16-18 months. It's not just inconvenient; it disrupts donor relationships and hampers long-term fundraising. Why does this happen? What’s Driving...
The Four Most Powerful Words in Nonprofits
As nonprofits, we're accustomed to extending a helping hand to our beneficiaries. It's the cornerstone of our missions and the driving force behind our daily efforts. But in our laser focus on those we serve, are we overlooking a crucial aspect of our organizational...
Asana: Project Management App
Keep Your Team Organized & Get Work Done In today's fast-paced work environment, staying organized is essential. Many teams are turning to project and task management software to streamline their workflows. One of the most popular and user-friendly options...
The Nonprofit Network Secret
When you think of nonprofit networking, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s fundraising events, community partnerships, or even collaborations with other organizations. Networking often feels like a necessary task to achieve a specific goal—whether that’s securing...
From Mundane to Memorable: Capturing Nonprofit Events
Are you tired of clicking through the same carousel of images after every fundraising event - the smiling group photo in front of the media backdrop, the shot of the dinner table settings, or the packed room shot? Me too. It's time to step out of the routine and think...
Nonprofit Consultants: It’s Not About Why…But When
Navigating the world of nonprofit management is like steering a ship through ever-changing waters. You’ve got your mission as your compass, your crew (staff and volunteers) working hard, and donors fueling your journey. But even the best captains know that sometimes,...
The 80/20 Nonprofit Secret
Ever feel like some of your work really pays off, while other efforts... not so much? That's the Pareto Principle in a nutshell. People often call it the 80/20 rule, and it's pretty simple: about 80% of your results usually come from 20% of what you do. For those of...
From Bored Meetings to Board Meetings
Have you ever sat through a board meeting that felt like watching paint dry? I've been there and I'll bet you have too. Many nonprofit boards struggle with engagement. Meetings can often turn into monotonous sessions where financial statements are read aloud, votes...
Generational Strategies for Nonprofit Success
Imagine you're in Las Vegas, caught up in the excitement of the lights, the sounds, and the thrill of the games. But luck isn’t on your side, and you end up losing $1,000. Now, you're faced with an uncomfortable reality—you need to ask for help to cover your rent. How...
The Top Five Benefits of Good Branding
Good branding is more than the visual identity. It is the real story of your mission and it aligns all the facets of your organization. This article shares the top five reasons that having a good brand is beneficial. Tells Your Story Great branding tells your story in...
Nonprofit Marketing: Use Your “WHY” — Not Your “WHAT”
The truth is that many nonprofits aren’t comfortable marketing themselves or don’t know where to start. Many marketing tactics feel like … marketing tactics. They don’t feel genuine. If you’re struggling with jumpstarting (or restarting) your marketing or fundraising...
Unpacking the Nonprofit Trends Report
Today I'm bringing you highlights and actionable insights from the 6th Annual Nonprofit Trends Report by Salesforce. As we look into the findings, keep your organization's recent hurdles in mind. You're likely to find similarities of your own experiences and, more...
Refocus on Nonprofit Relationship-Building
Imagine if all of us hyper-focused on one simple, yet profound truth: at our core, we're not just in the charity, education, or [insert your mission here] business. We're in the relationship-building business. Our success, our impact, and our ability to thrive are all...
Understanding and Adapting to Donor Giving Preferences
In the ever-evolving world of nonprofit fundraising, staying on top of shifting donor preferences isn't just wise—it's essential. Today, the way people choose to give is changing, and organizations that adapt swiftly are the ones that thrive. The Rise of Mobile Giving...
The Nonprofit Paradox: Embracing Competition While Harnessing Collaboration
Today is Give to Lincoln Day in Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s an event where everyone is asked to make a donation toward the nonprofit(s) of their choice. Plus, the impact is bigger because nonprofits get a proportional share of a match fund. Your city may have a similar...
Should Your Nonprofit Leverage TikTok?
Unless you've been living under a rock, you're most likely aware of the phenomenon that is TikTok. But is it just a platform for trendy dances and viral challenges, or can it be a powerful tool for nonprofits seeking to boost awareness and fundraising efforts? Let's...
Embracing the Pillars of Meaning in Nonprofit Work
I was recently reminded of a topic that resonates deeply with our work in nonprofits, inspired by Emily Esfahani Smith's enlightening TED talk from April 2017 titled, "There's more to life than being happy." Smith's exploration of the four pillars of meaning –...
Walking The Tightrope: Should Your Nonprofit Chime in on Political Debates?
Oh, the times we are living in! It seems like every day, there’s a new headline grabbing our attention, urging us to take a stand. But when you’re at the helm of a nonprofit, the waters get a tad murkier. Should you join the chorus and make political statements? And...
Budgeting for Stories: A Must-Have Marketing Strategy for Nonprofits
As we inch closer to another year, the wheels of planning and budgeting are spinning full throttle in the nonprofit sector. Amidst the number crunching and strategy plotting, there’s a golden nugget often left unexplored - the art and science of storytelling. Today,...
The Allure of the ‘Big Fix’: A Case for Nonprofit Simplicity
Every once in a while, each of us has one of those "Eureka!" moments, where we think we've stumbled upon THE solution to a problem. It's big, it's bold, and it promises to change everything. It wouldn't surprise me if you've had one recently. In the vibrant world of...
Making Stories Stick in the Age of Digital Amnesia
It goes without saying (and yet here I am saying it) that we are inundated with content every day. We watch, read, and listen to dozens and dozens of stories through various mediums. So much so, that we literally forget most of what we take in. Our brains simply...
The Win-Win of Giving: Telling the Donors Story
Okay, quick pop quiz: When I say "philanthropy," what springs to mind? Many of us picture heartwarming stories of beneficiaries, right? But hang on a sec! What about the folks writing those checks or clicking that 'donate' button? Their side of the story is chock-full...
From Insights to Action: Key Takeaways from the State of Nonprofits 2023
I'm going to do a brief dive into some key observations from the Center for Effective Philanthropy's report, "State of Nonprofits 2023 - What Funders Need to Know." It provides some great insights that can help nonprofits make more informed decisions and perhaps...
Staying Ahead in 2023: A Look at the Nonprofit Trends Report
The annual Not-For-Profit Trends Report for 2023 has landed on our "desks," and it's chock-full of insights about the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. Let's explore some of the major takeaways from the UHY report and how we can adapt to these emerging...
So, Your Nonprofit Is Being Audited. Don’t Panic!
It’s easy to view the word ‘audit’ as a four-letter word, especially in the nonprofit world. But it's really not as scary as it seems. Let's discuss what an audit is, why they happen, and the steps you need to take to navigate one smoothly. First things first, let’s...
Don’t Fear the Restart: The Strength of Experience for Nonprofits
Recently, I was reminded of this powerful quote: "Don’t be afraid to start over again. This time you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience." Nonprofits, just like any other organization, go through cycles - periods of growth, stability, and,...
Cold Numbers to Warm Hearts: Making Data Feel Human
We all know that numbers are crucial in the world of nonprofits. They provide us with goals, they track our progress, and they illustrate the impacts we're making. But let's be real here — numbers can feel a bit, well... impersonal. When we're dealing with subjects as...
Unpacking Impact: How to Measure What Truly Matters in Nonprofits
As those of us in the nonprofit world know, we're not just here to do good – we're here to make a real impact. But how can we tell if our efforts are actually making a difference? How do we measure the unmeasurable, like hope, empowerment, or community strength? This...
Proactive vs Reactive: A Balancing Act for Nonprofits
There's a well-known saying in the business world: "Failing to plan is planning to fail." This wisdom rings particularly true in the nonprofit sector. Two types of planning often dominate the conversation - proactive and reactive. But what exactly do these terms mean,...
12 Essential Leadership Skills for Nonprofit Executives
Before we dive into the essential leadership skills for success in the nonprofit sector, let's take a moment to acknowledge the importance of self-awareness. Recognizing our strengths and areas for growth is vital to becoming effective leaders. However, it's important...
The Art of Pulling Listeners In: Mastering the Nonprofit Storytelling Technique
As nonprofit storytellers and writers, we all know the power of a good story. A compelling narrative can change hearts, minds, and even the world. But have you ever felt like you're just pushing information at your audience instead of truly engaging them? Don't worry...
Why Video is Essential to Nonprofit Marketing & Fundraising
People support nonprofits (through donations and volunteerism) because they have an emotional connection to the cause or organization. As you market your organization (I know, “yuck.” But it’s a necessary evil.), you’ll get better results by leaning into the emotional...
The Role of MS(S)Ps in Successful Audits
This article was authored by Apptega, provider of tools to simplify cybersecurity management and compliance. The word “audit” conjures dread for the never-ending questions, paperwork, and pressure it implies. Organizations that partner with security-focused IT...
The Authenticity Challenge: Fundraising for Good in the Age of AI Deception
Let’s talk about a topic that's been on everyone's mind lately—artificial intelligence (AI). As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, we're seeing some pretty mind-boggling creations. From deepfake videos that make celebrities say things they never said to...
Don’t Lose Sight of Your Nonprofit’s Mission: Friendly Tips for Staying Focused
Have you come across that satirical Onion article about a nonprofit that totally forgot who they were initially planning to help? It's brief, but quite funny. And it got me thinking... Even though the article is meant to entertain, it encourages us to think about an...
The Ethical Dilemmas of Nonprofit Marketing
Nonprofit organizations are tasked with the challenging goal of promoting their cause, engaging donors, and raising funds to make a difference in the world. Marketing and fundraising campaigns are essential to achieving these objectives, but they also present unique...
The Benefits of Humor and Play in Nonprofit Work
In the world of nonprofit work, it's easy to get caught up in the seriousness of the issues we're addressing. We're often dealing with pressing challenges, tight budgets, and high stakes. While passion and dedication are crucial to our mission, we mustn't forget the...
Is Technology Dehumanizing Nonprofits?
In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives. It revolutionizes the way we work and communicate with each other. For nonprofits, technological advancements have brought about numerous benefits, making their work more efficient and...
Handling High-Stakes Data Security Audits
Audit. It’s a word that if not scares, at the very least, makes IT Management, the Security team, and Executives uncomfortable. When you’re doing everything you can to keep things running, the last thing you want is to have someone come in and tell you you’re...
Failing Forward: How Nonprofits Can Learn and Grow from Failure
"Success is Stumbling from Failure to Failure with No Loss of Enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill The nonprofit sector is made up of human beings, and like anyone else, we are prone to make mistakes. This can be especially true when we are trying new things or working on...
Webinar: Navigating High-Stakes Audits
Art Provost, VP of Security Services at Filament Essential Services and a 30-year security veteran with deep experience as both the auditor and auditee, shares best practices for streamlining the collection and presentation of evidence, articulating compliance with...
The Power of Nonprofit Branding
Branding has been a part of human culture for millennia, from the creation of cave drawings to religious symbols to modern-day logos. In recent times, branding has become an essential tool for nonprofits looking to make a difference in the world. Nonprofit branding...
Best of the Web: Branding for Nonprofits
Discover the crucial role and effect of marketing materials that accurately reflect your nonprofit’s current story. These articles give insight to the function of marketing materials, the reasons for updating them and the significance of maintaining consistency.7...
From Research to Results: Crafting a Strong Grant Proposal
Have you ever wondered how foundations decide which nonprofits to fund? It's a maddening question as so many struggle to carefully craft the perfect grant proposal. Putting yourself out there for the judgement of others is an exercise in humility. Especially, since we...
Beyond the Budget: Creative Ways Nonprofits Can Generate Revenue
Recent economic fluctuations have put the squeeze on many nonprofit organizations. According to the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis, personal consumption expenditures rose 5.4% in January from a year earlier—suggesting that rising prices will be...
Onboarding Checklist
The main goal of your onboarding process is to set up your new staff member to succeed. This means helping them quickly learn the basics of their job, understand workplace culture and begin building relationships across the organization. Here’s a checklist of topics...
Know Your Channel!
The Golden Rule of social media marketing: use the channel how your audience wants to use the channel. Not how you want them to use it. Here’s the thing… they’re on social media TO BE SOCIAL! They want to interact with friends/family – to pursue hobbies and interests...
Good Nonprofit Videos
There’s a lot that goes into making effective marketing and fundraising videos. The temptation is to talk about your mission and services. Which is all fine and good, but what’s your point? What, specifically, are you trying to accomplish? And who, exactly, are you...
Top Secrets for Getting Results with Video
You’ve produced a killer video with a concrete objective and directed at your target audience that connects on an emotional level. Now what? Get. It. Seen. Your videos are like a flyer. You can have the best one in the world, but you have to get it in front of your...
DIY vs PRO Video Production
Full transparency: I want to produce videos for your organization. Not only that, I want to help with the strategy, planning and implementation. That being said, that phone of yours shoots some pretty good video and there’s a case to be made for shooting/editing your...
Internet Scams 2022
Happy Safer Internet Day 2022! From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns. Here are some web resources that can help protect you and your loved ones...
Protip: How Using 2 Spaces is Like Fruitcake
Every year your grandma brings a fruitcake to your holiday gathering. It’s old-fashioned, disgusting and goes largely untouched. The only people who eat it are either just being polite or are also, you know, “of that age.” But she grew up on it, she loves it and...
School Fundraising: A Mom and Marketer’s Guide
I’ll be honest. When my daughters were in elementary school, I did everything I could to avoid being a part of the parent teacher organization (PTO). It isn’t because I didn’t care what happened at their school. We were blessed to attend a public elementary school...
5 Ways to Avoid Online Meeting Fatigue
Online meeting fatigue is real. There has been a significant increase in online meetings over the last year—and they are likely to remain commonplace because they are so convenient. At first it was a novelty, but now it’s causing some serious strain. It’s harder to...
6 Tips for Staying Connected While Working From Home
While working remotely has been steadily increasing over time, our current situation has opened up a whole new ball game with entire organizations closing their offices and having staff work from home. As a result, employees across the country are missing the...
Zoom Like A Boss: The Webinar
Online Meetings We’re doing lots of meetings internally and externally. It’s great way to connect, but we’re also getting easily fatigued. We hope there’s an end to our exile soon, but our landscape may also be changed forever to include more virtual meetings. This...
Protip: 6 Ways to Protect School Networks from Student Hackers
It shouldn’t be a surprise that school districts are a gold mine for hackers. While the external cybercriminal seeks confidential information such as Social Security numbers for financial gain or identity fraud, the student hacker hopes to change grades, infect...
Protip: Online Meetings
Are your work weeks filled with online meetings? The temptation is to just flip open your laptop, put on a funny background and let 'er rip. For some situations this is just fine. But keep in mind, your meeting setup reflects not only your credibility But also how...
![Best of the Web: Tech Issues [Nov 2020]](https://www.filamentservices.org/wp-content/uploads/bow_IT-Nov2020.png)
Best of the Web: Tech Issues [Nov 2020]
These articles will help you diagnose/solve performance and technical issues, identify when your laptop might just be on its last leg and introduce a free download that takes the guesswork out of identifying your computer’s components. 10 Reasons Your Computer May Be...
Website ADA Compliance: Common Errors
To ensure your site can be enjoyed by the widest possible audience, maintaining ADA compliance is essential. For many organizations, it’s the law! The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain organizations to make accommodations for people with...
Pixlr X: Free Online Photo Editors
Create next-level images with easy-to-use, online photo editors The process of creating the perfect photograph goes beyond pressing the shutter button and capturing your image. Even while cameras and smartphones are taking great photos and becoming better every day,...
Best of the Web: Information Technology
Find the software solutions you need all in one location, give thought to the process of technology replacement and learn to create an effective, sustainable technology plan for your organization with these insightful Management Information/Technology...
Protip: 7 Ways to Identify Phishing Emails
Are you sure that convincing email you just received from Southwest Airlines is really from Southwest Airlines? Companies and individuals are often targeted by cybercriminals using emails crafted to look like they are from a legitimate organization or financial...
Best of the Web: Digital Marketing
Learn about free solutions for your projects, marketing tool options and metrics to help drive growth and extend your impact with these resourceful Communication articles found around the web.Digital Marketing Trends For 2020 For Nonprofits Digital marketing done well...
Speccy: See Inside Your PC
Need to know detailed specifications about your computer? Speccy, a free system informational tool has got you covered. If you are looking to see “what’s inside” your PC, Speccy can provide a detailed list of the hardware and software components of your computer....
1Password: To Manage Passwords
Too many passwords to remember? 1Password is all you need You’ve been given access to another application at the office, opened a new savings account, an additional email for work, joined an online retailer’s homepage….and yes, you guessed it, they all require you to...
Best of the Web: Security
This month we have plucked a few of our favorite data security articles that show you what to look out for and how to protect yourself.Seven Deadly Weaknesses of Nonprofit Security This article focuses on understanding the most common security weaknesses and the risks...
7 Protips for Posting in Facebook
You may not know this, but the new 2018 Facebook algorithm gives you style points for posting correctly. Here’s the secret recipe for getting high marks for your post. 1. All in the timing There are lots of statistics regarding the best time to post on Facebook. The...
The 2018 Facebook Algorithm Changes
The golden rule of social media marketing is to make sure you are using the channel the way your users want to use it instead of how you want them to use it. This is especially true on Facebook, and is also the reason they made some significant changes to the...