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Winning Stewardship

Graphic with purple background and gold trophy. Text reads: Nonprofit Stewardship Award

Stewardship is critical as we build relationships with donors, members, and volunteers. What can that look like? Here’s a simple example from a membership renewal: Thank you for your nine years of membership! This simple handwritten note by a volunteer transformed a generic renewal form by acknowledging and reminding the member of their long-term commitmentContinue reading “Winning Stewardship”

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a joyous, productive and prosperous 2024!

Don’t Forget Stewardship!

Collage of three images with title “Stewardship.” Images all depict a sprout or tree growing out of soil in a person’s hands.

In the end-of-year fundraising frenzy, we sometimes forget to think about stewardship. The successful stewardship of members, donors, and volunteers is critical to a nonprofit’s long-term success. When we strengthen these relationships, we strengthen the organization overall. How do you — or will you — build stewardship into your ongoing work?

Can you do better than the US government?

Black on white graphic reads: THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. The purpose is to maintain and improve alert and warning capabilities at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels and to evaluate the nation’s public alert and warning capabilities. No action is required by the public.

Last week the federal government missed a real opportunity with its test of the national emergency alert system. For a few seconds our cell phones erupted, giving them our full attention. What message did we get? Three impersonal sentences full of dense bureaucracy-speak. Imagine what they could have said to us instead! There are lessonsContinue reading “Can you do better than the US government?”

5 Keys to Success: Bringing On New Board Members

Yellow traffic sign with sky background reads: Welcome to the Board!

One of the most common mistakes I find when boards seek new members is that they focus heavily on recruitment without dedicating the same energy to orientation. Yes, it’s important to find the right leaders for your board but it doesn’t end there. You also need to make sure your new members get off toContinue reading “5 Keys to Success: Bringing On New Board Members”

Red, white and blue graphic with fireworks reads “Happy 4th of July - SKS Consulting”

SKS Consulting is closed July 4, 2023.

Giving USA: The Sky is Falling! Or Is It?

Woman in dark clothing holding clear umbrella with raindrops on it looks up.

The new Giving USA report is out, and the headlines sound grim. Giving is down, down, down! But the reality is more nuanced, especially when it comes to individual giving. Last week, I heard Dr. Una Osili share highlights from the new report. Dr. Osili leads the research and production of Giving USA: The Annual ReportContinue reading “Giving USA: The Sky is Falling! Or Is It?”

Let’s Celebrate our Volunteers!

Five diverse individuals all wearing a white shirt with the word “Volunteer” on it lined up in a row while standing outside.

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and it’s a big deal. How big? Check out these statistics: It’s mind-boggling to consider the impact volunteers have the nonprofit sector and society overall. Do you know a volunteer? Be sure to show your appreciation this month! Looking for help starting or revitalizing your own volunteer program? Contact usContinue reading “Let’s Celebrate our Volunteers!”