UMFS’ Post

In response to profound changes in recent years, area funders came together to form the Coordinated Capacity Building Initiative to open a conversation with nonprofit leaders about how best to support them in evolving their practices and strengthening their organizations. With the first phase of the initiative complete, a new post on our blog shares initial learnings from the process so far and previews what's next for the initiative. https://lnkd.in/erT3psaV

The latest report from the Blackbaud Institute, The Resilient Nonprofit, finds that fundraisers are seeing growing revenues and expect continued increases next year. The report also finds that the biggest growth in revenue is coming from midlevel and new donors. Dive into the findings to see the strategies that have led organizations to a position of strength, and can build resilience against future challenges. https://blkb.co/3YmEBWq

In his book Good to Great, Jim Collins lays out a framework that organizations can use to achieve long-term success. Though the book was written with businesses in mind, the principles outlined therein are just as applicable to nonprofits. Here are five key takeaways from Good to Great that fundraising professionals can use to build sustained success for their organizations. https://lnkd.in/ez8THX_E

New report from Indiana Nonprofits project I am pleased to announce that our new report, Indiana Local Government Officials’ Contracting With Nonprofits, has now been published. The report examines the extent to which Indiana Local Government Officials (LGOs) contract with nonprofits for a broad array of important community services and how that compares with using other types of service providers, including for-profit businesses. We also examine what factors might explain whether LGOs engages in contracting with nonprofits. Click for the full report and for the press release. [The report is also available on our website: https://lnkd.in/en946Cx - look for the red banner.] Selected Highlights Indiana local government officials (LGOs) rely on a variety of service arrangements. Almost all of 29 services examined involve the use of multiple types of institutions, including local government itself, other units of government, nonprofits and/or for-profit businesses. Many service arrangements are complex, involving three or more types of institutions. Nonprofits and for-profit businesses are part of the service arrangements for almost all 29 types of services examined. LGOs appear to rely somewhat more on nonprofits than for-profit businesses. For eight of the 29 services contracting with nonprofits is significantly more extensive than with for-profit businesses, while contracting with for-profit businesses is significantly more extensive than with nonprofits for just three services. For all other services LGOs contract with nonprofits and for-profits to about the same extent. Nonprofit contracting varies by type of position LGOs hold. County commissions and county council members are significantly more likely to report contracting with nonprofits than town council members. The report is based on a survey of 613 Indiana LGOs conducted by the Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Affairs, administered between late February and early August of 2020.     Kirsten

Check out our latest article featuring 14 Charleston nonprofits that are creating positive change. From supporting families to conserving the environment, these organizations are making a serious impact from within their community. #CharlestonNonprofits #CommunityImpact

This article points out a great way we can help our nonprofits beyond the traditional time, talent and treasure. Enjoy! https://lnkd.in/g6d6E6JK

Nonprofit Leaders: We Need Your Insights! https://lnkd.in/enfc97Jx As we prepare for 2025, the nonprofit sector is bracing for potential challenges and opportunities. To ensure we’re addressing the issues that matter most, we’re gathering input from organizations of all sizes, missions, and locations through our Nonprofit Financial Trends Survey - https://lnkd.in/enfc97Jx . Your voice matters. The more perspectives we gather, the better we can identify trends, highlight concerns, and advocate for the resources nonprofits need to succeed. Whether you’re a large organization in an urban hub or a small nonprofit in a rural community, your experiences are invaluable. Why share your insights? - Help us understand what nonprofits are truly facing. - Ensure the unique challenges of your area are represented. - Contribute to shaping strategies for a stronger nonprofit sector in 2025. It only takes a few minutes, but the impact of your input will last all year. Together, we can ensure every nonprofit’s voice is heard. Click here to take the survey https://lnkd.in/enfc97Jx Tag your network and help us spread the word—let’s hear from as many nonprofits as possible! Ruth McCambridge, Dana Britto, R. Wade Rogers, CPA, Mark Hager, Melissa O. Fuller, MS, Amanda Allen Nelson, MSM

" Super charge your nonprofits impact!" Supercharging a nonprofit's impact involves a combination of strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, community engagement, and innovation. Here are some actionable steps to achieve this: 1. Define Clear Goals: Clearly define the mission, vision, and objectives of the nonprofit. Make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 2. Strategic Planning: Develop a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the organization's priorities, target outcomes, strategies, and tactics to achieve its goals. Regularly review and update this plan as needed. 3. Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with other nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Strategic partnerships can amplify your impact and reach. To see more suggestions get a free copy of our guide. Visit https://lnkd.in/eAMjvGiB to get your FREE copy of “ Supercharge Your Nonprofit's Impact”.

Good news from Independent Sector! This new report shows gains in public trust for philanthropy and the nonprofit sectors. Why does this matter? Public trust makes it possible for institutions to deliver the impact - through programs, public collaborations, public engagement - that give philanthropy and the nonprofit sector possibilities for sustainable change. Download this free report - there is so much here to inform direction and guide planning. #philanthropy #nonprofit #PublicTrust #philanthropyLeadership

In July, a Book Review I worked on McMullin, C. (2023), "Non-profit Organizations and Co-production: The Logics Shaping Professional and Citizen Collaboration," was published in Nonprofit Policy Forum, Volume 15, Issue 3. This work is a fascinating read for those interested in nonprofits and co-production. I highly recommend the book. Here are some of my thoughts about it: