Do you tweet, post, and blog?
The results of the 2012 “Nonprofit Social Networking Benchmark Report” are in and it’s no surprise that the use of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Foursquare, by nonprofit...
View ArticleThe leadership challenge
Until recently, the only way for nonprofit leaders in Sonoma Valley to hone their leadership skills was to travel outside the Valley for training – with no follow-up coaching available. Now, through...
View ArticleLeaving a lasting legacy
By now, you have likely seen the banners all around the Plaza and read the announcements in the paper. You may have even received an email or a personal invitation from your favorite nonprofit...
View ArticlePartner with local newspaper to promote your nonprofit
With limited funds to pay for advertising, Sonoma Valley nonprofit organizations usually rely on sending information via email to local newspapers to inform the public of their news. Since nonprofit...
View ArticleOnline discount shopping ideas for nonprofits
As we begin another year, many nonprofit leaders are looking at their 2013 budgets and wondering what they can do to reduce operational costs that seem to be increasing each year. Fortunately, there...
View ArticleUse a logic model to tell your story
A logic model is a simple, visual way for the leadership of a nonprofit organization to show how its available resources and program activities relate to the overall results it hopes to achieve in the...
View ArticleNonprofits go through life passages
Just like humans, nonprofits go through distinct life passages until they reach maturity. And just like humans, there are distinct behaviors that must happen in one phase before moving to the next....
View ArticleAdvisory council can be great asset
Many nonprofit organizations establish groups of advisors to give them guidance and support with special needs, including fundraising, program support, or increased prestige and visibility in the...
View ArticleHelping new board members get oriented
One of the most overlooked aspects of nonprofit board development is the process of orienting new board members to their role of leading a nonprofit organization. Board orientations range from a...
View ArticleNew concept in online fundraising
Representatives from 20 different Sonoma Valley nonprofits gathered for a presentation last week to learn about a new concept in user-friendly online fundraising called Charity of Choice. Launched just...
View ArticleSocial media and your nonprofit message
The most recent meeting of the Wine Country Chapter of the Association of Professional Fundraisers (AFP) featured two nonprofit social media experts, Alice Ferris and Jim Anderson from GoalBusters...
View ArticleMillennial generation supports causes, not groups
Leaders of nonprofit organizations who want to connect with supporters in their 20s and early 30s, known as the Millennial Generation, need to share information about their cause, not the organization...
View ArticleNonprofits role in making Sonoma County healthier
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has a vision to make Sonoma County the healthiest county in California by 2020. To help make this goal a reality, the county Department of Human Services is...
View ArticleThank volunteers with “Spirit of the Valley Award” nomination
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community. They give tirelessly of themselves in the service of others. And they receive nothing more than a simple “thank you,” a smile on the face of someone...
View Article‘Cradle to Career’ engages community partners to help youth
As part of Sonoma County’s ambitious goal to become California’s healthiest county by 2020, the Department of Health Services is leading the Cradle to Career initiative, in partnership with close to...
View ArticleStrong letter of inquiry is your foot-in-the-door to grant funding
The 2013 Giving USA annual study reports that, on average, 21 percent of a nonprofit’s income comes from a combination of private foundations and corporations. This is good news for nonprofits because...
View ArticleA great resource for savvy donors
GuideStar is a valuable online nonprofit resource whose mission is to “revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and...
View ArticleVolunteer Month celebrated with gusto through Volunteer Sonoma!
Sonoma Veterans Memorial Hall was abuzz April 16 with over 120 people curious to see how they might be able to lend a hand as a volunteer for one of 21 Sonoma Valley nonprofits. Organized by the Sonoma...
View ArticleUse an annual report to tell your nonprofit’s story
A lthough nonprofit organizations are not required by law to publish an annual report, it can be an effective tool for the leadership of a nonprofit to share major accomplishments, recognize key...
View ArticleTraining is critical to volunteer retention
Active volunteers are the lifeblood of any nonprofit organization. After the leadership of a nonprofit organization recruits a volunteer, then finds the right match for the volunteer to serve within...
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