Engaging Summer Programming Ideas for Nonprofits
Looking for creative ways to engage your community this summer? Check out our latest blog post for a comprehensive list of summer programming ideas that can help your nonprofit make a meaningful impact. From outdoor events to educational workshops, there's something for everyone!
From Awareness to Action: Leveraging Executive Coaching for DEI Initiatives
Explore how Executive Coaching can help organizations move beyond DEI statements to implement actionable strategies. Learn about real-world examples of leaders using coaching to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Sustainability Strategies: Mid-Year Adjustments to Ensure Long-Term Success
Despite meticulous planning, a staggering 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategies effectively, according to Harvard Business School. Discover the insights and solutions to bridge the gap between strategy and successful implementation in this compelling read.
Building a Dream Team: Steps for Recruiting Stellar Board Members
Many organizations struggle to find individuals with the necessary skills and networks to advance their mission effectively. However, with the right approach and preparation, attracting top-notch board members is achievable. Here are some essential tips for successful board recruitment:
The Power of Professional Development: Fostering Growth and Innovation in Nonprofits
In the nonprofit sector, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Professional development isn't just a buzzword; it's a vital component for nonprofit leaders and their teams to thrive.
Successful Fundraising in Rapidly Changing Environments
It’s Leap Day! So, in today’s article, I am going to share tons of extras for you to enjoy!
In the rapidly changing world of nonprofit fundraising, adaptation and innovation are key. As the landscape evolves and becomes increasingly competitive, nonprofit leaders must equip themselves with effective strategies to thrive in this environment.
Demystifying Strategic Planning Terms for Nonprofit Leaders
Unlock the complexities of strategic planning with our comprehensive guide, providing definitions for key terms such as SWOT analysis, SMART goals, and stakeholder analysis. Empower your nonprofit team to navigate the strategic planning process with confidence and clarity, ensuring alignment with your organization's mission and vision.
Reducing Nonprofit Employee Turnover: Strategies to Prevent High Turnover in Nonprofits
Discover practical strategies to combat high turnover in nonprofit organizations with our latest blog. Learn how to address key factors contributing to turnover, including competitive wages, collaborative work environments, and comprehensive benefits. Explore actionable insights and expert advice to retain valuable staff members and drive sustainable growth. Partner with Spark Group Consulting to optimize your organization's retention efforts and maximize impact.
Board-Executive Director Relations: A Guide to Avoiding Common Conflicts
The relationship between Executive Directors (EDs) and the Board of Directors is pivotal for successful operations and long-term sustainability. However, these relationships often come with their fair share of challenges. In this blog, we will explore common pitfalls and offer valuable insights on how to foster harmonious collaboration between EDs and Boards.
Spark Group's 2023 Highlights
As 2023 comes to a close, we wanted to highlight some of Spark Group’s exciting moments. Read on to learn about some of Spark Group’s proudest accomplishments of the past year. Thank you to everyone who worked with us in 2023; we can't wait to see what 2024 brings!
Creating Space in Your Organization for Time Off
In today’s world, where work can follow you anyway, it is hard to take time off. It is hard to set boundaries around work and life outside of work. It is hard to unplug. Nonprofit organizations do amazing things with limited resources and staff, which is wonderful for the mission and the communities they serve, but it can also make it hard for many nonprofit organizations to create space for time off.
Strategy and Proactivity: The Corner Stones of Spark Group
At Spark Group, two of our all-time favorite talking points are about strategy and proactivity. That’s because we think if you were to boil down all our advice and resources for nonprofits to two simple concepts, here is where you would land! In fact, these two concepts are really what Spark Group was built around. Have you heard the Spark Group origin story before? Keep reading to find out!
From Hesitation to Legislation: Nonprofits and the Power of Lobbying
Join our host, Mary Gladstone-Highland, and her guest, Nick Lutton, on this empowering episode as they inspire nonprofit leaders to embrace advocacy, turning hesitation into a force for legislative change. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit professional or just starting your journey, this episode is a roadmap for transforming your organization's impact through the strategic use of lobbying.
10 Gratitude Practices for Nonprofit Boards
In this season of Thanksgiving, we often encounter conversations about gratitude. Maybe we make a special point to express gratitude in our homes, places of worship, schools, or workplaces … but what about our nonprofit boards? (Insert sound of record scratching here!) I get it; as we get closer and closer to the busy holiday season, a lot of times we want to get in and out of those monthly board meetings as quickly as possible. There are so many other things we have to take care of, let’s not add to the list, right?! And yet, what better time and place to take just a moment and reflect on gratitude than on your nonprofit board?
Why You Shouldn't Neglect a Year-End Appeal
Year-end appeals are not just a tradition; they are a crucial part of your fundraising arsenal. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of year-end appeals, backed by data and insights, and discuss why they should not be neglected.
50 Common Strategic Planning Terms You Need to Know
Strategic planning is the backbone of any organization's success, but it often comes with its own unique vocabulary. If you've ever found yourself in a meeting where terms like "SWOT analysis," "KPIs," or "strategic alignment" were thrown around, you're not alone.