NPO CONVERSATION

We invite leaders of nonprofit organizations to join us each quarter for a brown-bag lunch discussion about issues, ideas, and concerns in the nonprofit and philanthropic community.

The meetings are a time for us to “talk shop” and move beyond the usual conversation between foundations and nonprofit organizations.  Guests learn a little about GMA and a lot about their peers’ perspectives on important issues.

Attendance is limited to seven organizations with one representative per organization, preferably the executive director or director of a major program. The lunches are held in GMA’s ninth floor conference room at our 77 Summer Street offices.

Topic for Tuesday, June 11th:     UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT

Should foundations allocate larger sums for general operating support in their grantmaking program?   Certainly, this is not a new question, but one that nonprofit leaders must consider at least annually.  We work closely with dozens of foundations, each with a different perspective on this question.  At our next NPO Conversation, we’d like to hear from you. Continue Reading »

NEWS AND INSIGHTS

From the 100-year old charity to the start-up organization, effective nonprofits are constantly reinventing themselves.  Nimble nonprofits continue to live their mission and meet the needs of their target audience even when those needs, other available services and the economy are changing around them.

Masters of reinvention, these leaders infuse their organizations with new ideas and energy.  They take action, but not without taking time for pause and reflection.  In our work with nonprofits we have noticed five things that these adept leaders do to continuously adapt.  Although this list is not a recipe for success, certainly these habits support reinvention that keeps a nonprofit relevant and effective.                                   Continue Reading »