Why Funders Should Invest in Advocacy for Systemic Change
Exploring solutions to the mismatches with donor interests and funders’ reluctance to invest that keep the work of advocacy and systemic change chronically underfunded.| Blue Avocado
Exploring solutions to the mismatches with donor interests and funders’ reluctance to invest that keep the work of advocacy and systemic change chronically underfunded.| Blue Avocado
Jessica Culverhouse is Vice President of New Client Partnerships at Elevate, where she is responsible for marketing and new business development. Leaning into her own experience as a grant writer and her background in nonprofit strategy, program design, and management, Jessica brings a deep understanding of the “pain points” nonprofits face as well as a strategic approach to addressing these through smart grant programs. Jessica joined Elevate in 2016 as a team Director and has held roles...| Blue Avocado
Maybe in some mythic past it was possible to think first about strategic impact goals, and then about how to raise the money. But today we know better: you can't talk about what you're going to do without talking about how to get the money.| Blue Avocado
A survey of 906 nonprofit finance professionals reveals some surprises about these crucial-but-often-overlooked staff.| Blue Avocado
Steve Zimmerman, CPA, MBA, is principal at Spectrum Nonprofit Services, a finance and strategy consulting firm based in Milwaukee. With Jeanne Bell and Jan Masaoka, he co-authored Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability, published by Jossey-Bass in 2011. In addition to writing the Finance & Strategy column for Blue Avocado and consulting to nonprofits across the country, Steve conducts train-the-consultant sessions how to use the book’s framework wit...| Blue Avocado
A guide to effectively manage volunteers, from recruiting to appreciation. Keep volunteers engaged and your organization thriving.| Blue Avocado
Attorney Gene Takagi and Emily Nicole Chan discuss whether nonprofit boards can vote by both mail and email.| Blue Avocado
Here is a wonderful, succinct guide that provides help for the 600,000 + treasurers of all-volunteer organizations (AVOs).| Blue Avocado
Accounting Procedures Manual Template in Word. Download the Word document, and everything you need to fill in is in red.| Blue Avocado
📅 Upcoming Live Q&A: October 15, 2025 – Learn how board governance documents are essential for nonprofits and create a framework for accountability, operations, and decision-making. The post Blue Avocado Presents: Essential Board Governance Documents – Live Q&A appeared first on Blue Avocado.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders share their "happy accidents" — unforeseen twists of fate that ended up bringing significant benefits to their organizations. The post What has been a “happy accident” that ended up benefitting your nonprofit? appeared first on Blue Avocado.| Blue Avocado
Moving board members from passive to proactive requires intentionality. By setting clear expectations, providing meaningful opportunities, and fostering a culture of philanthropy, organizations can activate their board as a powerful force for impact.| Blue Avocado
Understanding fiscal sponsorships for nonprofits. Learn about the benefits, limitations, and considerations of this arrangement in our free webinar.| Blue Avocado
The ERC program has been amended several times and has officially concluded, but eligible nonprofit organizations are still eligible to file and benefit from this tax credit. Find out more about this government stimulus program.| Blue Avocado
In the digital age, nonprofits engaging in various creative endeavors must be mindful of copyright concerns.| Blue Avocado
Our Free nonprofit webinars helps organizations like yours learn, grow, and stay ahead with expert advice on common nonprofit issues and solutions.| Blue Avocado
Blue Avocado is an online magazine fueled by a monthly newsletter designed to provide practical, tactical tips and tools to nonprofit leaders. A small but mighty team of committed social sector leaders produces the publication, enlisting content from a wide range of practitioners, funders, and experts.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofits Helping Nonprofits Succeed| Blue Avocado
Master the art of nonprofit finance: Gain expert insights into budgeting, fundraising strategies, and compliance tailored to nonprofit' unique needs.| Blue Avocado
Information about Form 990 and your nonprofit filings. Hopefully this will keep your fiscal year-end stresses at bay!| Blue Avocado
There is an abundance of advice for nonprofit boards and EDs that speaks to the advantages of "partnership" and "open communications." But sometimes that advice just doesn't feel like enough.| Blue Avocado
Interview with Norma Mtume, former Black Panther and co-founder of SHIELDS for Families in Los Angeles.| Blue Avocado
Different nonprofits have different trajectories that result in different assets at a given stage of development.| Blue Avocado
Good communication about common objectives can prevent dissatisfaction and go a long way toward preventing board member resignations.| Blue Avocado
Calculating overhead rates and managing expenses are important roles. Board members need to bring an informed perspective to oversight.| Blue Avocado
Jan is a former editor of Blue Avocado, former executive director of CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, and has sat in on dozens of budget discussions as a board member of several nonprofits. With Jeanne Bell and Steve Zimmerman, she co-authored Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability, which looks at nonprofit business models.| Blue Avocado
Effective donor engagement strategies: Consider and articulate how supporting the mission benefits your donors too.| Blue Avocado
Raising funds for your nonprofit doesn’t have to be stressful. Learn how one California nonprofit proved that, when designed thoughtfully and collaboratively, fundraising can be successful and enjoyable.| Blue Avocado
Getting a grant isn’t just a handshake and a check — they can come with many conditions. Is your CFO ready?| Blue Avocado
Grants are an important source of funds for nonprofits, but some may come with strings attached that can create more headaches than positives for your organization. A strategic approach can help you be sure you’re applying for the grants that best meet your needs.| Blue Avocado
Gain insights into nonprofit fundraising including donor engagement, grant writing, crowdfunding, and more to help your organization thrive financially.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders offer insights into the biggest hurdles faced by nonprofits, from funding and staffing to awareness and impact measurement. The post What do nonprofits struggle with the most? appeared first on Blue Avocado.| Blue Avocado
Want to raise more money? Call a time out and take fundraising completely off the table. Then dream — the money will follow!| Blue Avocado
How nonprofits can work with public, educational, or governmental TV stations to raise visibility and get the word out about their great work.| Blue Avocado
Measuring the dual bottom lines of sustainability and impact can help you determine if the time has come for your nonprofit to conclude your mission — or pivot to a new one.| Blue Avocado
Many nonprofits overlook the opportunity to partner with existing organizations in favor of creating their own programs and solutions.| Blue Avocado
Learn how to help your nonprofit build strong, inclusive communities while nurturing a positive organizational culture that fosters both growth and impact.| Blue Avocado
Stay informed on the nonprofit political landscape with expert analysis and practical guidance. Explore the intersection of nonprofits and politics, including nonprofit advocacy and the role of nonprofits in elections.| Blue Avocado
Defining the desired outcome and what constitutes success in measurable terms helps stakeholders align their actions and priorities, ensuring that every effort is geared toward achieving this shared vision. The post Vision Before Strategy: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Defining Success appeared first on Blue Avocado.| Blue Avocado
Harvard University offers several of its online social sciences courses to the public at no cost.| Blue Avocado
Conventional approaches to classic conflicts of interest. Model policies that address these concerns. Non-financial conflicts of interest common to many nonprofits. Steps an organization can take to handle conflicts of interest and more detailed sample policies.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders offer insights into the post-pandemic era, detailing the changes that have impacted their organizations for better or worse. The post Post-pandemic, what has changed for the better (or worse) in your nonprofit? appeared first on Blue Avocado.| Blue Avocado
A compelling case for how nonprofits can build organizational capacity and infrastructure to ensure longevity by getting funding for those investments for their nonprofit.| Blue Avocado
Beyond helping nonprofit leaders understand the business model, the Matrix Map can help you strengthen it.| Blue Avocado
Starting a nonprofit and want tips from industry leaders? This is a collection of the best tips and advice for both large and small nonprofit organizations.| Blue Avocado
Presented by the National Council of Nonprofits (NCN), this webinar will provide a timely overview of both legislative and executive branch threats to nonprofits.| Blue Avocado
Getting feedback from those that you serve — and not assuming you know what they need — can help your nonprofit serve your community.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders share their top strategies for boosting community engagement in programs and initiatives with the Blue Avocado community.| Blue Avocado
Strategic philanthropists, big bettors, and effective altruists all lionize the ability to measure problem-solving strategies. But what exactly do they think they are observing when they diagnose a problem? What gives them the confidence to pursue the root cause they think they see? Why privilege one strategy when there are many others at hand?| Blue Avocado
RECORDED WEBINAR: Thursday, June 12, 2025. Learn about the essential governance topics like board structure, legal compliance, and best practices.| Blue Avocado
Discover expert advice and practical tips for running a nonprofit organization. Get valuable insights from nonprofit leaders in our survey-based archive.| Blue Avocado
Get the tools & knowledge to build and manage a thriving nonprofit board of directors, navigate complex issues, and drive your mission forward.| Blue Avocado
Adopting collective leadership can help your nonprofit create a more inclusive, efficient, and flexible organizational structure.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders share what they believe are the best ways to successfully manage a nonprofit board of directors with the Blue Avocado community.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofits may be surprised to find that their communities have already implemented the kind of innovative, collaborative programming that their leadership — and funders — are looking for.| Blue Avocado
Simple acts can have a big impact on the community. Learn how one nonprofit discovered the tools to fight systemic issues were at their disposal all along — they just needed to learn how to use them.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit collaboration strategies: Working with like-minded people and organizations can create a deepened impact, more sustainable relationships, and a stronger funding pool for your mission.| Blue Avocado
The knowledge that communities hold is precious, and the ethical use of this knowledge for institutional purposes requires the three “Rs” of ethical community engagement: Research, Relationships, and Remuneration.| Blue Avocado
A sudden leadership transition can leave a nonprofit scrambling to survive. Don't leave your mission to chance — plan for the future today.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders share what they believe are the most critical areas for improvement with the Blue Avocado community.| Blue Avocado
In today's changing world, adding organizational values into the Matrix Map is crucial for nonprofits to demonstrate the impact of funding.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders and Blue Avocado readers answer the question, "What are your nonprofit's priorities and goals for 2025?"| Blue Avocado
Leadership means something different to everyone, and nonprofits are no exception. But do these different definitions of leadership reflect the reality of the world we live in?| Blue Avocado
How to remove a board member that consistently disrupts meetings or is otherwise destructive and demoralizing.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders share the biggest challenges they face finding quality volunteers and staff with the Blue Avocado community.| Blue Avocado
Insider newsletters give your board members upbeat news in quick, regular bites — so your work will stay present to them between meetings.| Blue Avocado
With proper planning, attention, and openness to change, an interim ED can overcome challenges that can derail a nonprofit’s best-laid plans.| Blue Avocado
Checks and balances can be difficult when your nonprofit isn't big. Discover five internal controls for the very small nonprofit.| Blue Avocado
Learn how to navigate the complexities of working with a consultant. From finding the right fit to building a successful partnership.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders and Blue Avocado readers answer the question, "What is the secret to successful grant writing?"| Blue Avocado
With some creative thinking, a nonprofit’s board member was able to forge a nonprofit partnership that advanced two causes that she cared deeply about.| Blue Avocado
Nonprofit leaders answer the question, "What are the key qualities and skills you look for in potential board members?"| Blue Avocado
A nonprofit strategic planning process that includes human factors that improves the chances of successfully implementing the plan.| Blue Avocado
Empower your nonprofit leadership with expert insights and practical advice. Unlock the resources you need to inspire and guide your team to new heights.| Blue Avocado
Developing and sustaining a motivated, productive, and highly engaged workforce means your employees must be measured on how they demonstrate the organization’s values.| Blue Avocado
