Nonprofit Pulse

Scaling a nonprofit sounds straightforward until you try to do it across hundreds of chapters powered almost entirely by volunteers. What starts as a simple, effective model can quickly become harder to manage. Growth introduces complexity, consistency gets harder to maintain, and the systems that once worked begin to strain under the weight of scale. But when it works, that same growth can turn a...

Recurring giving should be one of the most reliable and scalable revenue streams a nonprofit has. But for many organizations, it plateaus. Growth slows, donor retention becomes a challenge, and what once felt like momentum turns into maintenance. So why do so many recurring giving programs stall out? What separates the ones that keep growing year after year? And how can nonprofits design a recurri...

Impact measurement is supposed to help nonprofits do better work, but for many teams, it ends up feeling like a reporting burden. Something done for funders, not for the people actually running programs. What would it look like if your data actually worked for you? If it helped your team make clear decisions, stay aligned, and tell a more compelling story about your impact? And how can nonprofits...

Crisis doesn’t create strong communities. It reveals them. When disaster strikes, some nonprofits are able to mobilize instantly. Partners show up, resources flow, and systems hold. Others are left scrambling, trying to build relationships in the middle of chaos. The difference usually comes down to one thing: what was built before the crisis ever began. So how do you create that kind of readiness...

On paper, ambassador programs seem like a no brainer. Empower your supporters, expand your reach, and build a stronger community around your mission. But in practice, many ambassador programs lose momentum, become transactional, or quietly fade out before they ever reach their potential. So what does it take to design an ambassador program that actually works? What separates a well structured prog...

For many nonprofit leaders, the idea of merging with another organization can feel uncomfortable. Nonprofits are often deeply tied to their identity, legacy, and mission. But in today's changing landscape, more leaders are beginning to ask whether the right merger could actually expand their impact, rather than diminish it. So why are nonprofit mergers becoming more common today? How can leade...

For many nonprofits, fundraising feels cyclical. One big event drives revenue, then momentum fades, and the planning starts all over again. So what would it look like to build a true fundraising engine instead of relying on one-time events? How can nonprofits design repeatable campaigns that carry momentum forward instead of resetting every season? And what needs to change to create results that c...

Nonprofit leaders are known for their resilience, sacrifice, and deep commitment to their mission. But behind the impact and long hours, many leaders are quietly carrying stress, burnout, and challenges to their mental wellness. So why does mental well-being still feel like such a hard conversation in the nonprofit space? What warning signs do leaders often overlook in themselves and others? And h...

Nonprofit events can inspire action, strengthen communities, and bring your mission to life like nothing else. When planned with purpose, every decision, from setting objectives to creating engaging experiences, can energize supporters and turn attendees into long-term advocates. But how can nonprofits design events that truly engage and empower supporters? What strategies make experiences both me...

Nonprofit leaders make countless decisions every day, but too often those choices are guided by guesswork. The result? Missed opportunities, wasted resources, and weaker impact. So, how can leaders break free from instinct alone? What would it take to base every decision on real insights? And where should nonprofits begin this transformation? Discover how nonprofit leadership can move from gut ins...

When storytelling becomes part of your culture, everything changes. It helps your staff feel connected to the mission, empowers your volunteers to share impact, and invites donors into a more meaningful relationship with your work. So, how do you build that kind of culture from the inside out? What first steps or daily practices can you take to grow in confidence as a storyteller? And how can you...

You might not see it happening, but a tangled, unclear brand could be quietly holding your nonprofit back. Supporters don’t connect. Volunteers lose steam. Fundraising feels harder than it should. So what role should leadership play in bringing clarity back to your message? What conversations need to happen to bring leadership and teams together? And how does strong leadership translate into a bra...

Recurring donors are the backbone of sustainable fundraising, but keeping them isn’t always easy. From inconsistent communication to a lack of personal connection, there are small missteps that can lead to big losses over time. So, why do recurring donors stop giving? How can you create an experience that keeps supporters engaged? And what practical steps can you take today to build lasting loyalt...

Every nonprofit has powerful stories to tell, stories that invite people in, build empathy, and fuel generosity. Video storytelling unlocks a uniquely human way to bring those stories to life and deepen connections with supporters. But doing it well, especially with limited resources, can feel overwhelming. So, how can your organization create authentic, compelling videos that move people to act w...

In today's nonprofit landscape, success goes beyond merely passion. It requires strategic planning, solid financial management, and a mindset that treats the organization like a thriving business. Nonprofits need to view themselves as more than just mission-driven. They must adopt corporate best practices to grow, sustain, and scale their impact. But how can nonprofit leaders shift their think...

Building a diverse, high-impact board isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s one of the most strategic moves a nonprofit can make. When your board reflects a range of perspectives, skills, and lived experiences, your organization is better equipped to lead with purpose and connect with the communities you serve. But how do you find the right people, create a welcoming culture, and ensure your boar...

What if the funding your nonprofit relies on suddenly disappears? Too many organizations face this risk by depending on a single revenue source. Diversifying revenue streams not only safeguards financial stability but also opens the door to growth and innovation. So, what are the best ways to expand and balance revenue streams while staying mission-focused? And how can nonprofits successfully expa...

In today’s nonprofit world, building a meaningful connection with supporters requires more than just good intentions. It takes a brand that tells a compelling story. A nonprofit’s brand isn’t just a logo, but a representation of its mission, vision, and the change it’s working to achieve. But how can organizations ensure their brand cuts through the noise and remains true to their cause? How do st...

Some nonprofits go beyond relying on donations and grants by generating their own revenue while still driving meaningful social change. Social enterprise nonprofits blend business strategies with social impact, creating a sustainable approach to mission-driven work. But balancing financial sustainability with a nonprofit mission isn’t easy. How do these organizations navigate the unique operationa...

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, but what does it mean for the nonprofit sector? From streamlining processes to improving donor engagement, AI for nonprofits has the potential to revolutionize how organizations operate. So, how can nonprofits get started with AI, and what steps can they take to approach this technology practically and ethically while ensuring it supports their m...

Expanding a nonprofit from a local focus to a broader regional or national presence is a bold move that comes with many challenges. From maintaining core values to adapting programs for new communities, nonprofits must navigate complex decisions to ensure successful growth. So how can nonprofits ensure their mission remains intact as they expand? And what steps can they take to adapt their program...

Building a thriving nonprofit isn’t just about what happens within its walls. It’s rooted in the power of community collaboration. Community collaboration can drive significant impact, helping organizations expand their reach and foster long-lasting change. So, how can nonprofits find the right partners and cultivate meaningful relationships? And what steps can they take to ensure these collaborat...

Scaling a nonprofit isn’t just about getting bigger. It’s about increasing your impact while remaining aligned with your mission. So, what key steps should nonprofit leaders follow to scale their organization successfully? And how can they ensure this growth is sustainable, healthy, and true to their mission? Learn how to scale a nonprofit with practical tips for sustainable growth and long-term s...

Utilizing play is an effective tool to connect with people, and is a powerful way to build a healthy and vibrant nonprofit culture. When nonprofits incorporate play into their culture, they can boost creativity, improve morale, and drive productivity and innovation. So, how can nonprofits get started with implementing play into their culture, and what impact could this shift have on their overall...

Innovation goes beyond simply adopting new technology or chasing trends; it’s about integrating a disciplined strategy across your organization. So, why should nonprofits embrace innovation as a strategic discipline, and how can this approach increase nonprofit impact? Discover why nonprofit innovation as a disciplined approach is crucial for driving impact and growth with Stewart Severino from Th...