Lerii F. Smith, CFRE

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Find Joy in the Job

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Find Joy in the Job

With a recent invoice payment, we received a handwritten thank you note insert from a client, (and we were still in the middle of the assignment).

At a board meeting, we were given an iced sugar cookie in the shape of a unicorn with appreciative words of how unique our services were to the exact needs of that board and foundation.

Another time, we received a crystal vase from an executive committee with sentiments of how we served as the vessel for their cause to flourish and how they hoped we would remember them by filling the vase with fresh flowers in the future.

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Added Capacity For Your Executive Director Can Make All the Difference

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Added Capacity For Your Executive Director Can Make All the Difference

Last month, we were delivering a strategic plan draft to one of our clients, an executive director of a small nonprofit. As the sole paid employee, supported by dedicated volunteers, she works tirelessly to empower underserved youth to reach their full potential. At one point, tears welled in her eyes.  “To see our three-year plan laid out like this for us makes me emotional.  It’s been on our list for so long, but with everything I must do to keep the programs on track, I never was able to take the time to get it done!” she said through a sniffle.  This is not the first time a nonprofit leader we serve has become emotional and I doubt that it will be the last. 

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Boosting Board Performance - Advice from a Client

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Boosting Board Performance - Advice from a Client

When it comes to success in nonprofit work, it’s hard to overstate the importance of having effective and engaged board members. These key volunteer leaders set the strategic vision, ensure adequate resources, and plan for the organization’s future. Project Partners knows that the health and sustainability of a nonprofit can depend on the performance of its board. That’s why we highlight board development as one of the five key focus areas in any strategic planning we facilitate.

When a former board chair of an education foundation client made a case for boosting their board’s performance via the work of a Governance Committee, I immediately thought, “This is good information worth sharing to our broader nonprofit community.” With her permission we’re passing along the following advice for you and your board members:

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Does a New Building Seem Like a Good Idea?

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Does a New Building Seem Like a Good Idea?

Last year, a fledgling nonprofit asked if we would be interested in receiving an RFP to work on a capital campaign. After reviewing their business plan, I responded with the questions below. If you and your board members are contemplating bricks and mortar to fulfill your mission, these questions may be relevant to you, too – especially considering the current funding environment.

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