How to Understand a Nonprofit Balance Sheet: A Guide for Leaders and Supporters
Understanding a balance sheet helps leaders, board members, and donors assess the organization’s stability and its capacity to fulfill its mission.
The Impossible Job of Nonprofit CEOs: Finding Balance in the Midst of Chaos
The Impossible Job of Nonprofit CEOs: Finding Balance in the Midst of Chaos By Dr. Mark Smutny, President, Civic Reinventions, Inc. Being an executive director or CEO of a nonprofit…
Complexity Science and Whole Systems Techniques: Harnessing Collective Intelligence
Dr. Mark Smutny’s Complexity Science and Whole Systems Techniques: Harnessing Collective Intelligence explores how organizations and communities can navigate challenges in a fast-changing, interconnected world. Complexity science examines systems of interdependent elements that interact dynamically, resulting in emergent properties like adaptability and nonlinearity. Leaders are encouraged to move beyond command-and-control approaches and instead facilitate self-organization and adaptation. Whole systems techniques, such as Liberating Structures, offer practical methods to harness collective intelligence by democratizing participation and fostering collaboration. Techniques like 1-2-4-All, Troika Consulting, and 25/10 Crowd Sourcing enable groups to surface diverse perspectives, build ownership, and adapt to change. Real-world applications include strategic planning, conflict resolution, innovation workshops, and cultural change initiatives. By integrating complexity science with these techniques, leaders can create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions, paving the way for resilient systems and thriving organizations.
Strengthening Volunteer Engagement: A One-Year Program to Recruit, Retain, and Rejuvenate Volunteers
Nonprofits thrive on the dedication of their volunteers, yet many face persistent challenges in recruitment, retention, and burnout. Recognizing this, we’ve developed a one-year program designed to address these challenges head-on, fostering a culture of engagement, inclusion, and well-being. Here's a look at the program's goals and structured phases, offering actionable strategies to enhance volunteer programs in any nonprofit organization.
The Power of Stories and Data: A Board Member’s Responsibility in Nonprofit Fundraising
The Power of Stories and Data: A Board Member’s Responsibility in Nonprofit Fundraising By Dr. Mark Smutny Fundraising is the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. While staff members often bear…
American Mosaic: Building Bridges of Belonging Through DEI
American Mosaic: Building Bridges of Belonging Through DEI In today’s increasingly diverse world, creating inclusive communities where everyone feels respected and valued is not just an aspiration—it’s a necessity. A…
