NEWS AND INSIGHTS

GMA’s Michelle Jenney with activist Gloria Steinem

“And because it [slavery] is a political subject, it has often been tauntingly said, that woman has nothing to do with it. Are we aliens, because we are women? Are we bereft of citizenship, because we are the mothers, wives, and daughters of a mighty people? Have women no country, no interests staked in public weal, no liabilities in common peril, no partnership in a nation’s guilt and shame?”

At a sold-out event in Boston on October 7, 2013, “How Women Become Political,” guest speakers revealed how they were inspired to engage in politics whether as activists, campaign volunteers, or candidates for office.  Held to commemorate Angelina Grimke’s speech, the event was also an occasion to inspire girls and women to follow Grimke’s example.

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CLIENT ADVISORY

Use the knowledge at your fingertips to stay on track

The philanthropic sector is more enthusiastic than ever about measurement and evaluation.  In this era of analytics and infographics, some foundations are using dashboards to consolidate the information they need to stay focused on what matters most. The dashboard, configured to reflect their particular mission and goals, becomes a springboard for strategic discussions and organizational learning.

This collection of indicators – a dashboard or a scorecard – is updated and referred to on a consistent, recurring basis.  The visual presentation of simple graphs and brief narrative in one or two pages focuses on the essential elements of measuring results.  In this article, we are referring to grantmaking results.

Independent of foundation size or payout amount, measurement is part of an effective decision-making process. With the right information, both grantmakers and grantees stand to learn, adapt and accelerate progress towards their goals; they can assess their impact. But gathering and analyzing data can be expensive and time consuming.

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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 »