One of the most frightening, yet exciting, phone calls or emails a nonprofit leader can get is from a prospective funder, such as a foundation, giving circle, service club, or government agency, requesting a site visit. After a nonprofit organization submits a grant application to... Continue
Nonprofit Matters
Every Sonoma Valley nonprofit organization depends on dozens, and in some cases, hundreds of volunteers, to deliver their programs and services to the community. Volunteer activities include serving as board members, mentoring, tutoring, preparing and delivering meals, driving individuals to critical appointments, fundraising, public relations,... Continue
Within the next six months, several Sonoma Valley nonprofits, including the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, Mentoring Alliance, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Museum of Art, will have new executive directors. In a 2014 survey of nonprofit executive directors conducted by The Bridgespan Group, 46 percent... Continue
It is a time of significant transition for three of Sonoma Valley’s largest nonprofit organizations. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau are all selecting new executive directors. Hiring a new executive director is... Continue
Last week I received a phone call at my office from Simon Blattner, president of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art’s board of directors. He was calling me as a follow-up to the museum’s annual end-of-year financial appeal letter I had previously received. Simon thanked... Continue
A common question that arises in communities with many nonprofit organizations serving similar populations is, “Why don’t these organizations collaborate?” In response to that key question, organizations serving Sonoma Valley teens have recently started exploring collaboration possibilities. Spearheaded by the leadership of Sonoma Valley Teen Services... Continue
Sonoma County Department of Health Services staff unveiled “The Portrait of Sonoma County” report to a group of over 100 Sonoma Valley nonprofit leaders, government officials, and interested residents on September 24 at the Sonoma Valley Grange. The study showed that local nonprofits and community... Continue
Does your favorite nonprofit’s mission statement still accurately reflect the true purpose of the organization? Oftentimes, organizations change or expand the services they provide and the ways they provide them to accommodate the changing needs of the communities they serve. However, the leadership rarely takes... Continue
Active volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. After the leadership of a nonprofit organization recruits a volunteer, then finds the right match for the volunteer to serve within the organization, retention of that volunteer is essential. And one of the most important ways... Continue
A lthough nonprofit organizations are not required by law to publish an annual report, it can be an effective tool for the leadership of a nonprofit to share major accomplishments, recognize key supporters, and forge new partnerships. Plus, many philanthropic foundations and corporate giving programs are... Continue