In the nonprofit world, stress isn’t just seasonal—it can be constant. Whether it's grant deadlines, leadership transitions, community crises, or economic instability, nonprofit teams often find themselves navigating high-pressure environments with limited resources. In these moments, the Executive Director (ED) plays a pivotal role in keeping morale high, sustaining productivity, and supporting the well-being of staff. But EDs aren’t immune to the very stressors their teams face. In fact, they often carry the additional burden of strategic responsibility and emotional labor. That’s why motivation and resilience must begin with the leader.
Here are practical, mission-aligned strategies Executive Directors can use to keep their teams motivated—while also caring for their own well-being.
Online board meetings have become the norm for many nonprofits—offering flexibility, convenience, and greater access for geographically dispersed members. But virtual meetings also come with their own set of challenges, including tech hiccups, screen fatigue, and limited opportunities for organic connection. To ensure your next remote board meeting is efficient, engaging, and productive, here’s how to prepare for online board meetings.
As the 2025 Trump administration continues to wreak havoc, a wave of firings and reassignments among federal employees has sparked concern across sectors. These changes are particularly aimed at civil servants and experts perceived to be out of alignment with the administration’s goals. In response, nonprofits have a vital opportunity to step up in support of affected workers—offering legal aid, employment assistance, mental health services, and more.
This moment calls for a united and strategic effort. Here are key ways nonprofits can assist federal employees facing job loss or retribution.
Board meetings can feel routine, but planning for them should never become an afterthought. A well-prepared board meeting is a catalyst for progress—where challenges are tackled, opportunities are uncovered, and ideas take root. While structure is essential, flexibility is just as important. A board agenda should always leave room for the unexpected. Unfortunately, with so many day-to-day tasks competing for attention, it’s easy to let preparation for board meetings slip through the cracks. That’s why I recommend something simple but powerful: a flexible, repeatable checklist. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit secretary or supporting your board as staff, this guide will help you prep like a pro—before, during, and after the meeting.
Across the nonprofit sector, many organizations are increasingly recognizing that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are not optional ideals—they are mission-critical components of effective leadership and governance. Despite this growing awareness, most nonprofit boards remain racially and socio-economically homogenous. According to BoardSource, 90% of board chairs and 84% of board members are white, and representation of other marginalized communities remains minimal. This stark reality raises a critical question: How can nonprofits claim to serve diverse communities if those communities are not reflected in decision-making spaces? Building inclusive boards is not a one-size-fits-all process, but it is an essential one. Here’s what nonprofits need to know to begin the journey toward equity-centered governance.
In the nonprofit sector, leadership is not merely about maintaining operations—it’s about casting vision, cultivating people, and driving impact. Yet, nonprofit professionals often place their own development on the back burner in favor of the immediate needs of their organizations. While this may seem necessary in the moment, the long-term success of a mission-driven organization depends heavily on the strength, growth, and resilience of its leaders.
If you’re serving in a leadership role—or aspiring to one—prioritizing your professional development is not optional. It is essential. The rewards of investing in yourself ripple outward, strengthening your organization and preparing you for greater challenges and opportunities. Here's how to begin: