nonprofit boards

The Truth About Funders and Nonprofits

Alice Korngold — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:14:55 -0500

I've always appreciated that Pablo Eisenberg has spoken his mind about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, a refreshing voice of wisdom and candor in a sector rife with politics and back-scratching.

The Rich Palette of Nonprofits

Alice Korngold — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:38:18 -0400

When people think about joining nonprofit boards, they often think in general terms: arts, education, healthcare, etc. In fact, the nonprofit sector has such a multitude of widely diverse and differentiated organizations. The key is finding the board that will meet your unique set of interests, so that you will be passionate and do a terrific job.

Philanthropy and Service: Getting the Best Return on Your Investment

Alice Korngold — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:14:29 -0400

One year ago, I wrote a post here on "Building Your Nonprofit Investment Portfolio: Leveraging Your Impact." In the post, I recommended how to decide where to make your personal contributions in order to make a difference on the issues that matter to you most.

How to Lead a Great Panel Discussion

Alice Korngold — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:37:51 -0400

In my work in training and preparing business executives and professionals for service on nonprofit boards of directors, I facilitate panel discussions. The panelists include corporate leaders who chair and serve on NGO boards, and CEOs of global, national, and regional nonprofits. I've always said that the best panel discussions are more like Broadway shows. You get across the vital learning content--but with spontaneous drama, engaging the audience in the personalities and dynamics of the panelists and the stories and experiences they are conveying.

Catalytic Philanthropy: A Perfect Lead-In to the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)

Alice Korngold — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:01:24 -0400

My friend and colleague, Mark Kramer, just published an excellent new article on Catalytic Philanthropy. It's an extension of his work in helping foundations and philanthropists to improve their giving strategies.

The Importance of Ritual in Board Retreats

Alice Korngold — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:57:06 -0400

This afternoon, my husband and I executed our wills. Since I had made my intentions clear in discussions in advance of today's meeting, and my husband (a law professor) and our attorney prepared the documents carefully, I glanced at my will and asked where to sign. The both looked at each other and then at me, and said simultaneously, "But there is a signing ritual." They then explained to me that the law requires a specific ritual to ensure that people regard and recognize the importance of the decisions they are making.

How To Do a Good Job on a Nonprofit Board

Alice Korngold — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:31:05 -0400

So you've joined the board of a nonprofit where you care about the mission and the work, you think you can be useful, and you like some of the people you'll be working with--the ones you've met so far. What do you do next in order to be productive?

1. Learn more about the organization and the community you serve.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation; Or, Do You Believe in Magic?

Alice Korngold — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:28:03 -0400

Being a nonprofit board member doesn't have to be limited to fiduciary oversight and fundraising. James Hagy, a board member of Family Focus, added something a bit, say...magical! Family Focus is a Chicago nonprofit that provides innovative, community-based programs to help parents, grandparents, and foster and adoptive parents, gain confidence and competence as the primary educators of their children.

The Nonprofit Funding Crisis: An Imperative for Building Strong Boards

Alice Korngold — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:45:57 -0400

Nonprofit organizations have always struggled to raise money to serve important missions--regionally, nationally, and globally. New data from NYC and Washington, DC show just how close to the edge nonprofits have been living, even before the recession. Add to that the past year's reductions in both government and private funding, and nonprofits are truly in crisis.

Developing Stronger and Smarter Business Executives

Alice Korngold — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:39:55 -0400

“Tough times lead to tough choices, but there is a tangible opportunity for nonprofits to emerge stronger and smarter,” according to The Bridgespan Group’s “Managing in Tough Times: May 2009 Nonprofit Leaders Survey Update.”

Business People Interested in Nonprofit Boards: Up or Down In This Economy and Post-Madoff?

Alice Korngold — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:40:57 -0400

My perspective is based on my work helping businesses with their CSR/philanthropy strategies, training and placing business executives and professionals on nonprofit boards, and consulting to global, national, and regional boards over the past 15 years. The corporations range from Fortune 100 companies, to the world’s largest global professional services firms, to $3 b funds. 80% of the nonprofits I work with have budgets between $1m-$10m, 15% from $11m-$100m, and 5% up to $1 b. Here is my take:

Down Arrows:

CSR: When Doing Good Has to Be Good for Business

Alice Korngold — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:52:44 -0400

In “How, When, and Why Bad Apples Spoil the Barrel: Negative Group Members and Dysfunctional Groups,” the read more

So You Want To Serve on a Nonprofit Board Without Giving Money or Fundraising

Alice Korngold — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:33:57 -0400

“They should want me for my expertise, not my checkbook,” is the perspective I hear from some people interested in serving on nonprofit boards. So what’s the real story here? What exactly do nonprofits need and want from you? Are they just after your money?

Nonprofit Funding: Bad News is Good News

Alice Korngold — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:52:24 -0400

The bad news we know: funding is tight.

For-Profit and Nonprofit Boards: “Parsley on Fish?”

Alice Korngold — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:14:36 -0400

Investing in Nonprofits: Calling on Boards and Funders to Commit

Alice Korngold — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:07:12 -0400

A new survey by the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), led by CEO Clara Miller, adds to the data showing that nonprofits are in financial distress.

UpMo for Leadership Development: Volunteering is the Yellow Brick Road

Alice Korngold — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:49:07 -0400

Getting a Job in the Nonprofit Sector: Making Your Move from Corporate

Alice Korngold — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:38:29 -0400

“Definitely consider making the transition from the for-profit to the nonprofit sector. Your skills are transferable, and it definitely feels good to do good. But don't assume that it is exactly the same; social impact is a lot harder to measure than profitability, and the capital raising process (i.e., fundraising) is more complicated and less streamlined than in the for-profit world,” explains Stephanie Cuskley, who was recently named CEO of NPower.

Jon Stewart vs. Jim Cramer Smackdown: Lessons for Nonprofit Board Members

Alice Korngold — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:12:13 -0400

The running exchange between Stewart and Cramer over the role of the media as cheerleaders versus watchdogs gives something for nonprofit board members to think about.

Nonprofits Want Your Time and Money, and You Want to Invest Wisely

Alice Korngold — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:30:55 -0400

Your inbox overflows with appeals for contributions, invitations to galas, and volunteer projects. In addition, if you are a business executive or professional with strategic expertise and some financial success, there are nonprofit boards that would love to have you join. Nonprofits are competing for you.

Choosing a Nonprofit Board: The Elevator Speech

Alice Korngold — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:52:54 -0400

Last November, I listed 5 factors that board candidates consider in choosing a nonprofit board. In having trained and placed hundreds of business executives and professionals on nonprofit boards, and also having trained and mentored colleagues and protégés to place business people on boards, I have stressed the vital role of board members being unrelenting advocates for their organizations, generous donors, and enthusiastic fundraisers.

Teach For America: It’s Really About an Alumni Movement

Alice Korngold — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:22:47 -0500

DC Central Kitchen Has the Secrets to Success for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship

Alice Korngold — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:34:09 -0500

Making Your List of Top Ten Nonprofits

Alice Korngold — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:54:41 -0500

Out of the 1.2 million nonprofits nationally, how would you choose your Top Ten? Are you looking for the most high-impact, sustainable, or innovative? Which issues are most important to you – the environment, education, poverty, healthcare, social justice, or the arts? Would you choose the Top Ten from your community, the nation, or the world?