Executive Issues

The president of the governing body for Iowa's public universities often has used his $5 million pledge to the Hawkeye football program to build his image as a successful businessman and philanthropist. But years after his 2008 commitment was touted at a news conference as the largest gift to Iowa athletics, Bruce Rastetter has given…

Did you know there were an estimated 2,810 fundraisers for Congress held from 2013 to 2014? That’s just one of the eye-opening Sunlight Foundation statistics John Oliver cited on the April 3 episode of “Last Week Tonight” to paint a picture of how much time elected officials spend fundraising. Oliver dedicated the entire episode to the topic of congressional fundraising—and just how horrifying it is for everyone involved...

One of the biggest keys to success—or failure—when you join an organization or start working in a new position is the need to make a difference...

Two former Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) executives, who were fired after the media questioned the nonprofit's spending even though an internal investigation found no wrongdoing, have launched a blog...

Top performers and rising stars in your organization warrant special treatment, just as top donors do. They contribute more than others, and they raise the bar for everyone. Top donors capture the attention of other organizations, and competition for their philanthropic dollars intensifies. By raising more, top performers and rising stars capture the attention of…

I'm amazed at how often organizations with experienced fundraising professions veer off track. As fundraising professionals, we do no good for those we serve and for our profession by wavering on best practices. What does this mean? It means having a professionally developed fundraising plan that leverages the most effective and efficient methods in order to achieve fundraising goals...

Nonprofit HR surveyed 362 nonprofits on staffing, recruitment and retention practices for the “2015 Nonprofit Employment Practices Survey.” With 49 percent of nonprofits reporting an increase in staff size in 2014 and 50 percent expecting to create new positions in 2015, the survey projected nonprofit growth in 2015 that could outpace the corporate sector. However, this growth could aggravate some already pressing issues...

It’s not every day that Yale University gets an offer like this: Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) invited the 315-year-old Ivy League institution to move to the Sunshine State. The Connecticut legislature has a proposal to impose a tax on some investment profits from the university’s $26.5 billion endowment, and Scott seized on the opportunity…

The top 10 U.S. charities combined for more than $59 billion in revenue in 2015 alone. Chances are, your nonprofit isn't quite on that level. According to Independent Sector, just 4 percent of nonprofits top $10 million in annual revenue, while 75 percent of charities have annual expenses of less than $500,000. The majority of the sector is the little guys: small organizations trying to do big things on a small budget. But that doesn't mean you can't look and operate like the big guys...

Building your nonprofit’s board of directors can be challenging for a variety of reasons. First, board members are volunteers, yet much is expected of them. Second, board members have a great deal of responsibility, and not everyone you approach about the role may be up for all that’s involved in being an active, contributing board member. Third, a good board takes time to develop and may require a lengthy search process...