Creating more diverse and inclusive boards is one of the most important challenges facing nonprofits today. A growing body of knowledge suggests that we should begin by identifying what the ideal profile of our board would look like with respect to sectors represented, skill sets, and demographics (age, race, residence, gender, ethnicity, etc.). Only then […]
When is the best time to launch a strategic planning initiative?
If you don’t have a Strategic Plan currently in place, the answer is “now!” Having said that, organizations often launch strategic planning initiatives when they are facing a change in executive leadership. Some do it to help them identify the perfect candidate. Others do it soon after they have a new executive in place so […]
What is Heritage Tourism?
“Traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. It includes visitation to cultural, historic, and natural resources.” (Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation)
How can we make sure we adhere to our Strategic Plan?
There are several specific actions you can take to make sure your plan isn’t relegated to a shelf in a matter of weeks or months. Having clear and quantifiable goals that become the basis for periodic reports on programming, fundraising, finances, and governance will help you “live into” your Strategic Plan. Charging one senior staff […]
What is the difference between Cultural Tourism and Heritage Tourism?
The United National World Tourism Organization defines Cultural Tourism as “movements of persons for essentially cultural motivations such as study tours, performing arts and cultural tours, travel to festivals and other cultural events, visits to sites and monuments, travel to study nature, folklore or art, and pilgrimages.” Heritage Tourism, as defined by the National Trust […]
How often should an organization update its Strategic Plan?
Current strategic planning methodology is designed to help organizations view themselves in new and creative ways, and position themselves for continued growth and development. The focus is on creating a process that helps an organization deal effectively with change – whether in the form of opportunity or threat – while staying true to its mission […]
Are terms and term limits for board members always a good idea?
Terms – usually two to four years in length – are helpful. They allow an organization and its directors to plan for the long term. And terms provide an opportunity for each to evaluate directors’ service on a planned periodic basis. Opinions vary on the value of term limits, but they do tend to incent […]
How large should my board be?
A simple answer would be “as large as it needs to be.” And while that response recognizes that there is no absolute answer to the question, boards have been getting smaller. One landmark study by BoardSource of more than 1,700 nonprofits indicates the average size of governing boards has decreased on average from 19 to […]
What is a Development Audit?
A Development Audit – often referred to as a Development Assessment – is designed to determine an organization’s ability to raise annual operating support. While it is similar to a Feasibility Study in several aspects, it is almost always internally-focused, may include comparative analysis with “best practice” organizations, and does not include usually confidential conversations […]