News

PMA Welcomes the Fall '23 Diamond Group! September 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is delighted to welcome another talented group of nonprofit leaders to our Summer Cohort of the Mastermind Program. The program has expanded into two groups, including the "Diamond Group" pictured above, and the "Gold Group," which we feature next week. "I could not be happier given the national perspective this group brings to the program, as well as their genuine desire to help each other get better in their roles as nonprofit ... [..] read more


Mastermind Program Celebrates Three Years  September 2023


Nearly 40 alums from PMA's Mastermind Leadership program celebrated its third anniversary at Suffolk Punch in Charlotte on September 20th, 2023. "When we started the program in the Fall of 2020, I thought there might be an appetite for the time, space and structure this program could provide," noted PMA Founder Patton McDowell. "Thankfully, eight talented nonprofit professionals joined me in the first cohort, and thrived in a 'coach and be coached' environment."... [..] read more


What Should You Outsource at Your Nonprofit? (Eric Thomas) September 2023

As a nonprofit leader, are you short-handed or unable to scale your team to keep up with growth, especially in more technical areas like technology and finance? In episode #229 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Eric Thomas shares how outsourcing may be a practical solution for your organization. Learn exactly what outsourcing in the nonprofit sector is and how it can help address your needs. Eric discusses the talent shortage, particularly in specialized ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes Cohort 8 of the ELP Program! September 2023

The Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program welcomed its largest cohort to date, and kicked off the first of four sessions on September 6th. The program takes place over four monthly sessions, from September to December, with each three-hour session taking place from 9am until Noon EST.

Learn More

[..] read more


Podcast Guests Among Charlotte Business Journal's Power 100 September 2023

The Charlotte Business Journal is back with its Power 100 program, this year with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). After months of research, the list features leaders in our region driving change and setting the DEI agenda. Among those recognized, we are thrilled to spotlight three guests who have previously shared their insights on our "Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership" podcast:

Dr. Monique Perry-Graves, Episode #187 - Teach For America North CarolinaDr. ... [..] read more


Strategic Planning Doesn’t Need to be Painful (Carol Hamilton) September 2023

Is your nonprofit on a clear path, grounded with specific goals, to achieve its mission? Can you articulate organizational priorities that reflect a shared board and staff vision? In episode #228 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic collaborator Carol Hamilton shares key components of an effective strategic plan, the timeline necessary to build one and why more organizations struggle without one. You'll learn who should be involved in the framework process and questions ... [..] read more


227: 3 Keys to Effective Nonprofit Leadership: (Christina Edwards) September 2023

Where are you on your path to nonprofit leadership? Are you effectively serving your mission, your donors, and your board of directors with integrity, consistency, and clarity? In episode #227 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, acclaimed purpose and profit coach Christina Edwards discusses vital qualities effective leaders share within the philanthropic sector and how you can effectively grow and enhance your skills. Do you struggle with calendar management? Christina explains how and why it's ... [..] read more


Why Do People Give to Your Nonprofit? (Tim Kachuriak) September 2023

Do you know how to write your nonprofit value proposition to increase donations? Do you know why people give? In episode #226 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Tim Kachuriak, founder of NextAfter, a fundraising research lab and consultancy, explains why he's obsessed with discovering what inspires people to give and how his organization is helping nonprofit leaders answer those questions and more. He shares key takeaways learned through their research and how it ... [..] read more


Bridging the Gap: Technology’s Role in Nonprofit Success (Jack Fanous) August 2023

Are you using today's technology to further advance your mission and better serve your community? In episode #225 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Jack Fanous, founder and leader of two successful organizations, shares how technology can both increase your fundraising and better connect your mission with those you serve. Understand how having a better knowledge of software options can help nonprofit leaders better navigate transactional fees allowing 100% of charitable gifts funnel directly ... [..] read more


PMA Congratulates Donté Shannon August 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership congratulates Donté P. Shannon FASAE, CAE on his appointment as the new Executive Director of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). "This is a fantastic opportunity for Donte'," said PMA Founder Patton McDowell, "and I know he will continue to bring his passion for nonprofit leadership - especially in the association world - to the members of IDSA just like he did for our firm."
As the new Executive Director, Donté will guide ... [..] read more


5 Truths for Transformational Nonprofit Leaders (Ed Mishrell) August 2023

Do you want to elevate your nonprofit leadership to the next level? What are the five key principles of mission-driven leadership? In episode #224 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, former Chief Strategy Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and author of The Five Truths for Transformational Leaders: How Nonprofit Organizations Thrive, Grow and Make a Profound Difference, Ed Mishrell, delivers an insightful and practical discussion of how to achieve extraordinary ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes Two Graduate Student Interns August 2023

Continuing a tradition of outstanding graduate student interns at the firm, PMA welcomes two talented emerging leaders in philanthropy this Fall: Bella Da Silva and Samir Omary. "We speak with nonprofit leaders all the time about the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders, and Bella and Samir are exactly what the sector needs," said PMA Founder Patton McDowell. The two graduate students from NC State University continue a PMA tradition of engaging talented ... [..] read more


What Do You Read to Clear Your Head? August 2023

I've started a spot on the bookshelf for what I call my "clear your head" collection. These are books that require a deeper level of reflection and allow me to step back and consider the full trajectory of my life.

Yes, these books tackle the existential questions like "why am I here?" and "what does it all mean?" and "will my life make difference?" But rather than depress with thoughts of our relative insignificance... [..] read more


Does Your Nonprofit Brand Effectively Communicate Who You Are? (Mark Miller & Ted Vaughn) August 2023

How can your nonprofit stand out amidst all of the great causes in your community? In episode #223 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Mark Miller and Ted Vaughn, authors of the book Culture Built My Brand: The Secret to Winning More Customers Through Company Culture discuss the role of storytelling in attracting and retaining donors and why most attempts at storytelling fall short. They share effective tactics to help you clearly communicate who you ... [..] read more


Why Doesn’t Your Nonprofit Have a Succession Plan? (Mandy Pearce) August 2023

Do you have a succession plan in place at your nonprofit organization? Most nonprofits don't, and you may be facing any number of challenges when planning for the inevitable transition that occurs at every organization. In episode #222 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we learn from Mandy Pearce why having proper strategic and succession plans is vital to an organization's long-term health. She shares the key benefits of having a succession ... [..] read more


Have You Hit the Wall? Keep Going Might Help August 2023

Most nonprofit leaders hit the proverbial wall at some point on their career path, and it's difficult to break through. At times like that, I've found Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad by Austin Kleon to be a motivational boost. Kleon offers essential advice and encouragement for artists, writers, and anyone seeking to maintain their creative spark in the face of challenges and setbacks, including nonprofit leaders. ... [..] read more


Turning your Passion into a Movement (Lynn Margherio) August 2023

Starting a successful nonprofit often begins by transforming a passion project into a well-defined organization. But how do you turn that project into an actual movement? In episode #221 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Founder and CEO of the national nonprofit Cradles to Crayons, Lynn Margherio shares just how she's created a movement from her personal mission to end clothing insecurity. She shares her 5 keys to building a movement and how ... [..] read more


Finding Your Voice as a Nonprofit Leader (Sabrina Gilchrist) July 2023

What does it mean to find your voice as a nonprofit leader? In episode #220 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Sabrina Gilchrist shares the journey to find her voice as a nonprofit leader and the positive effect it has on furthering the mission of her organization. Are you the kind of leader talented people want to follow to further a mission in which donors have confidence investing? Learn the skills and experiences that helped ... [..] read more


Meet the PMA Consulting Team July 2023

Meet the PMA Consulting Team!
PMA Nonprofit Leadership's recent team retreat (thanks Cain Center for the Arts for hosting!) brought together a new and expanded organizational consulting team. This group represents one of three areas of focus for the firm as it seeks to support nonprofit leaders at all levels of their career journey:

Content Creation & Resource Development

Individual Coaching & Training for Staff and Board Members

Organizational Counsel & Capacity Building ... [..] read more


Building a Career in the Nonprofit Sector (Amie Dugan) July 2023

Are you prepared for the hard work the nonprofit sector requires? Working for a mission you believe in can certainly be both rewarding and fulfilling, but many well-intentioned individuals are surprised by the realities of being a professional in the sector. In episode #219 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with a seasoned nonprofit leader, Amie Dugan, about what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful career in the philanthropic ... [..] read more


5 Ways to Turn Around a Struggling Nonprofit (Lance Kawaguchi) July 2023

Is your nonprofit organization not delivering on its mission? Is it struggling from poor governance, alienating key donors and staff and producing lackluster results? In episode #218 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with Lance Kawaguchi, who committed to fighting cancer when the disease hit his family in 2016 and became the new CEO of the struggling nonprofit, Cure Brain Cancer Foundation. Although he built a successful career in the world of finance... [..] read more


What Can We Learn from an Unconventional NGO? (Marko Kasic) July 2023

Are you willing to do things differently to take your nonprofit to the next level? How would you transfer your skills to effect genuine social change? In episode #217 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Marko Kasic shares his why and how he founded an "unconventional" NGO. Through his goal to create a social enterprise, he created a self-generating revenue model which addresses food insecurity while simultaneously providing workforce development. Marko shares how he ... [..] read more


How Your Nonprofit Can Benefit from a Digital Transformation (Bob Green) June 2023

What does digital transformation and IT governance mean for nonprofits? In episode #216 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, strategic IT expert Bob Green explains how digital transformation is a pathway for nonprofit organizations to succeed by increasing overall efficiency, facilitating donor and volunteer relationships, and improving communications to reach wider audiences. He shares how incorporating new technologies in the workplace benefits nonprofits and their employees by eliminating redundancies, automating tasks, and allowing team members ... [..] read more


Do You Really Want to Collaborate? Turning Talk to Action June 2023

I hear many nonprofit leaders proclaim their commitment to community networks and collaboration. They express their "desire to join forces", "pool resources", and "build community" for the greater social good. However, many of these proclamations sound more like hopeful rhetoric, with limited action taken to truly embrace the power of networks. Their inner voice is telling them: "I really prefer the way we do things."

This discrepancy between intention and execution forms the backdrop against ... [..] read more


The Nonprofit Leader's Productivity Pack June 2023

The summer offers many nonprofit leaders a well-deserved respite from their labors, and also a chance to reflect on their rituals and routines. If you're pondering a reboot on your productivity plan right now, I've found any of these five classics a good place to start.

Atomic Habits by James Clear: In "Atomic Habits," James Clear explores the power of small habits and their ability to create remarkable results. Clear provides practical ... [..] read more


The Talent Magnet: How to Attract Nonprofit Leaders (Reid Ricciardi) June 2023

How can you create a culture and strategy that motivates and empowers your team, while also aligning with your mission and vision? In episode #215 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with talent management expert Reid Ricciardi about building the kind of team necessary to achieve your mission. Reid shares how to attract, retain, and develop talent in a competitive and changing nonprofit sector. Learn some tips and best practices to foster a ... [..] read more


Should You Consider a Sabbatical as a Nonprofit Leader? (Laura Belcher) June 2023

Are you ready for a sabbatical? Is your organization ready for you to take a sabbatical? Are work sabbaticals the latest nonprofit retention strategy? In episode #214 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Laura Belcher, the President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region, shares why her recent sabbatical was beneficial for both her and her organization. Laura explains how best to prepare yourself - and your team - for the sabbatical. The planning ... [..] read more


The Cal Newport Collection: Great Reads for the Nonprofit Leader June 2023

My friends and colleagues know I am quick to reference Cal Newport for any number of strategic topics related to nonprofit leadership. Reading Deep Work was a game changer for me, and forced me to reconsider how I was spending my time and to give up the myth of multi-tasking as a way to greater productivity. (Hat tip to my friend Clay Hodges for getting me a signed copy!). It occurred to me that ... [..] read more


Keys to Advancing Your Nonprofit Career (Brian Collier) June 2023

Are you advancing your nonprofit career? Do you have the skills and experiences necessary for senior leadership? Brian Collier, a thought leader in the philanthropic sector, shares his advice for aspiring leaders eager to ascend to a senior leadership role in episode #213 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. Brian shares his concerns about nonprofit proliferation and imparts his keys to a successful grant application. Nonprofit leaders know the importance of community collaboration, but how ... [..] read more


Introducing the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Program June 2023

Are you a new or aspiring professional looking to make a significant impact in the nonprofit sector? Look no further! The Institute for Philanthropic Leadership is pleased to announce the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program (formerly called New Development Professionals), which has been specifically designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in fundraising, management, and organizational planning within the philanthropic sector.

With a proven track record of success, this ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes the Summer Gold Group! June 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is delighted to welcome another talented group of nonprofit leaders to our Summer Cohort of the Mastermind Program. The program has expanded into two groups this Summer, including the "Gold Group" pictured above, and the "Diamond Group," which we featured last week. "I could not be happier given the national perspective this group brings to the program, as well as their genuine desire to help each other get better in their roles ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes the Summer Diamond Group! June 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is delighted to welcome another talented group of nonprofit leaders to our Summer Cohort of the Mastermind Program. The program has expanded into two groups this Summer, including the "Diamond Group" pictured above, and the "Gold Group," which we'll feature next week. "I could not be happier given the national perspective this group brings to the program, as well as their genuine desire to help each other get better in their ... [..] read more


Are You Ready to Lead a Capital Campaign? (Whitney Anderson) May 2023

Is your nonprofit organization really ready to launch a capital campaign? What is a realistic and attainable goal? How do you know when you're prepared for success? In episode #212 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Whitney Anderson shares her expertise in conducting campaign visioning and feasibility studies, developing donor strategies and managing the entire capital campaign process. Learn how to build a strong case for support and have the alignment between staff, board ... [..] read more


Need a Good Summer Read? 5 Book Recommendations for Nonprofit Leaders May 2023

One of the things we love about the Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership podcast is the excellent book recommendations we receive from every guest. Of course, many of them are authors themselves, so they bring fantastic built-in suggestions! Looking to build knowledge around key topics in the philanthropic sector? Check out some recent guest publications:

Leah Kral's Innovation for Social Change (Episode #204)

Leah's book explores the transformative power of innovation in ... [..] read more


How to Attack All 5 Phases of Your Fundraising Cycle May 2023

Fundraising is more than just asking for money--it's developing long-term relationships with supporters to carry out your mission. Rather than thinking of fundraising as a series of steps to be completed, view it as a cycle where there is no start and finish. PMA advises and supports our partners as they build increased fundraising capacity and attack all elements of the "Fundraising Cycle."

Identify

No matter how long your organization has existed ... [..] read more


Is Philanthropy in a State of Crisis? (Nathan Chappell & Brian Crimmins) May 2023

Is philanthropy in a state of crisis? In episode #211 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Nathan Chappell and Brian Crimmins, co-authors of the book, The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity's Greatest Challenges, offer a wake-up call to nonprofit leaders everywhere, but also suggest solutions to the downturn they see, and will help you re-establish the interconnection that drives generosity. Learn from the fascinating research they ... [..] read more


Leading Through Failure as a Nonprofit Leader (Amy Burkett) May 2023

Do failures knock you back more than they should? Failure shouldn't be debilitating and Amy Burkett says it's actually the secret to your success! In episode #210 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, two-time author, executive, and leadership expert Amy Burkett shares why you shouldn't fear failure, and instead make it your friend. She shares how you can weave the lessons from failures into success and not become paralyzed with the ... [..] read more


Five Keys to Nonprofit Excellence: Unlocking Your Organization's Full Potential May 2023

Are you ready to propel your nonprofit organization to new heights of success and impact? In the dynamic landscape of the nonprofit sector, it's essential for leaders like you to seize every opportunity to excel. Whether you're an established multimillion-dollar organization or just starting out, there are five essential keys that the best nonprofit organizations focus on to achieve excellence. By embracing these keys, you can unlock your organization's full potential ... [..] read more


Looking for Leadership as a Nonprofit Funder (Robb Webb) May 2023

Does your nonprofit embody the leadership qualities for which major funders are looking? Nonprofit leaders who are best prepared when applying for funding can save themselves precious time and set their organization up for success if they seek to understand what philanthropic leaders are evaluating. But how do you know what funders are actually looking for? In episode #209 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Robb Webb, Director of Rural Church at The Duke Endowment... [..] read more


Managing People Problems as a Nonprofit Leader (Beth Napleton) May 2023

How do you manage your toughest people problems? A good leader solves problems. A great one anticipates them. In episode #208 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Beth Napleton shares why managing and leading people is one of the biggest and most important responsibilities nonprofit leaders have, but it's also the hardest. She explains why earning trust is an essential component to building an environment where people can feel nurtured, supported, and mentored while ... [..] read more


5 Ways to Lead Effective Nonprofit Board Retreats April 2023

As a nonprofit leader, you've probably been told ad nauseam about the advantages of holding annual retreats for your board of directors, but perhaps you've never gotten around to making concrete preparations for such a retreat in the future. Given the stressors of the past few years, as well as the general burdens of being overworked in the nonprofit sector, it is understandable that leaders might decline to prioritize retreats if they do ... [..] read more


Embracing the Art & Science of a Capital Campaign (Bob Pierce) April 2023

Will you be ready when it's time to conduct a fundraising campaign at your organization? Nearly every nonprofit is in some stage of campaign planning: thinking about one, implementing one or recovering from one! As a leader, you will likely have to manage a campaign at some point in your career. In episode #207 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we turned to the leader of the University of Alabama's highly successful Rising ... [..] read more


4 Ways to Embrace Organizational Resilience and Learning April 2023

Over the past three years, nonprofits have been tested in unprecedented ways by the impacts of the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic and all of the challenges that have accompanied it. Nonprofits have had to drastically adjust their operations in the hope of staying solvent, a goal that has unfortunately failed for countless organizations. Furthermore, these new burdens have only exacerbated long-standing vulnerabilities in the sector such as difficulty planning for growth, fundraising, and making ... [..] read more


Staffing Your Grants Program: Employee or Consultant? (Holly Rustick) April 2023

Grant writing is more than just a process, it's a skill. And like any skill, we must perfect it with time and practice. So how do you evaluate if you should outsource this aspect of your fundraising program or invest internally? In episode #206 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with funding and grant writing expert Holly Rustick to help determine which is worth more to your organization the time you'll ... [..] read more


What Issues Will You Face as a New Nonprofit Leader? (Tom O’Toole) April 2023

Are you on the path to nonprofit leadership? How prepared are you for the challenges you'll face? In episode #205 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with Tom O'Toole, Executive Director for MPA Programs at Cornell University's Brooks School of Public Policy about what skills aspiring leaders need to efficiently and effectively run a nonprofit organization. Tom shares serious concerns of burnout - not just work/life balance - but losing the ... [..] read more


How Can Nonprofit Leaders Bring Innovation to Their Organization? (Leah Kral) April 2023

How can you foster sustainable innovation within your nonprofit? Between the pandemic and workforce shortages, many nonprofit leaders today are likely exhausted and running out of actionable ideas. It's said that adversity drives innovation, but for many, that well is drying up too soon. So where are all the good ideas? In episode #204 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, nonprofit strategist and author, Leah Kral, explains that as leaders of nonprofits, we have ... [..] read more


Three Key Fundraising Trends March 2023

Three Key Fundraising Trends Nonprofit fundraisers have been forced to adjust to an unending series of changes and trends over the past three years of a disruptive pandemic, during which received wisdom about philanthropic giving has often been turned on its head. While economic conditions will probably continue to change in unexpected ways for the foreseeable future, fundraisers can capitalize on recent trends to bolster their organization's fundraising operations and increase their resiliency to ... [..] read more


Finding Success as a New Nonprofit Leader (Aaron Randolph) March 2023

How do you find success as a new nonprofit leader? Starting any new business is difficult, and while similar, starting a nonprofit has a whole host of unique complexities. In Episode #203 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Aaron Randolph shares his best advice for others looking to start, fund and run a successful nonprofit organization. Aaron navigated the "big three" - new leader, new organization, new community and thoughtfully recounts the lessons learned that can ... [..] read more


Turning Your Financials into a Nonprofit Leadership Tool (Melisa Galasso) March 2023

Are you and your board members confident when it comes to the financials? Many nonprofit leaders - staff and board - are not. In Episode #202 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Melisa Galasso brings two decades of experience making complex accounting topics easy to understand, and will empower you with the financial acumen to better lead your nonprofit. She breaks down the sometimes complex world of accounting so that you and your board of directors will ... [..] read more


The Book is One Year Old! Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Celebrates Anniversary March 2023



Many thanks to everyone who has supported the book, "Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector," which was released on March 8th, 2022. "The response has far exceeded my expectations when I began writing it," noted author Patton McDowell. "Thanks to the overwhelming support and widespread distribution, many nonprofit leaders have benefited from what I hope is a practical guide to defining their career goals and guidance ... [..] read more


Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership Podcast Celebrates 200th Episode! March 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is proud to celebrate the 200th episode of "Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership," the weekly podcast which has featured the voices of countless leaders in the nonprofit sector over the past four years. "It's hard to believe we've made it to this milestone episode," said PMA President and Founder Patton McDowell. "We weren't sure if we'd make it past 10 episodes when Lauren McDowell first designed the show!" ... [..] read more


Nonprofit Leaders: Which Trends Should You Follow? (Becky Endicott & Jon McCoy) March 2023

What key trends are you following as a leader in 2023? For the enterprising nonprofit executive, one of the best sources of cutting-edge information in the sector is We Are For Good, and that's why we waited until the #200th episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership to speak with Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy, two thought leaders in our sector who will zero in on some of the key trends that will ... [..] read more


Key Fundraising Trends Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know (Matt Nash) March 2023

As a nonprofit leader, are you aware of the unique motivations many Donor Advised Fund (DAF) givers share? Do you target stewardship efforts to this group of individuals specifically? In episode #201 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Matt Nash, who has been on the cutting edge of recent key fundraising trends in the philanthropic sector shares his extensive knowledge about the rise of this donor group. Learn more about the psychology and intent behind ... [..] read more


PMA Celebrates 14 Years Serving Nonprofit Leaders March 2023


PMA Nonprofit Leadership is proud to have served over 275 nonprofit organizations in North Carolina and beyond. What began simply as Patton McDowell & Associates in 2009 evolved into PMA three years later, and in 2019 embraced the current PMA Nonprofit Leadership title.

"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the individuals and organizations across the globe that have engaged with our leadership development work this past year," said PMA President and Founder ... [..] read more


Finding Your Passion as a Nonprofit Leader (Helena Scott) March 2023

How do you find and keep - your passion as a nonprofit leader? In episode #199 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Helena Scott, who serves as a Regional Advancement Director, shares her remarkable two-decade journey with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and what sustains her energy and motivation. She discusses challenges, benefits and unique opportunities inherent to being a part of a national chapter organization and her leadership approach to such things as fundraising... [..] read more


Dirty Little Secrets of Direct Response Fundraising (Andrew Olsen) February 2023

What is direct response fundraising? Is it part of your overall fundraising plan and are you getting the returns you expect? In episode #198 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, Andrew Olsen returns to the podcast and explains why you need a better way to fundraise. Many nonprofits coming out of Covid are achieving their highest levels in giving. However, Andrew explains why giving patterns over the last decades don't match the trends of ... [..] read more


Building a New Community as a Nonprofit Leader (Sherri Chisholm) February 2023

Stepping into a new leadership role is an exciting challenge, but doing it in a new community can create new complexities. In episode #197 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, seasoned nonprofit leader Sherri Chisholm shares how she navigated a new community while maintaining her personal and professional connection to the cause. She shares the steps she took to hone the organization's vision and message, and how each of her colleagues plays a role ... [..] read more


Key Strategies for Becoming an Exceptional Nonprofit Leader (Denver Frederick) February 2023

As a nonprofit leader, you're committed to achieving greater impact, yet recent challenges could hinder the effective implementation of your mission. In episode #196 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we are joined by Denver Frederick, a pioneer in the philanthropic sector who has been on the cutting edge of many fundraising principles used today. As someone who created the model for corporate sponsorships, he shares his opinions on the state of corporate giving ... [..] read more


Nonprofit CEO’s Discuss Strategy & Self-Care February 2023

Thanks to all the forward-looking nonprofit leaders who attended the virtual Nonprofit CEO Summit hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Consulting last Thursday. Over 50 professionals from around the world gathered to learn about the future of strategy in the nonprofit sector and the changing role of executive leaders. PMA's Patton McDowell moderated the summit, which welcomed attendees and leadership experts from England, Wales, Canada, and throughout the United States. ... [..] read more


Leading a Nonprofit in a Post-Pandemic Environment (Katherine Lambert) February 2023

The pandemic put a unique pressure on nonprofit organizations and its leaders to do more with less, and adapt to new technologies and structures. As we usher in a post Covid-19 future, what will the new normal in the nonprofit sector look like? In episode #195 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with veteran philanthropic leader, Katherine Lambert, about finding balance post-pandemic and moving from surviving to thriving. While the sector ... [..] read more


Cohort 11 Begins Leadership Gift School January 2023

PMA is delighted to welcome an outstanding group of nonprofit professionals to Cohort 11 of the Institute of Philanthropic Leadership's Leadership Gift School. "This program continues to excel," said IPL Board Chair Jim Kelley, who welcomed the cohort and gave them a preview of the program. "Leadership Gift School brings together a cohort of nonprofit CEOs and development directors who work together to build their organization's capacity for leadership giving. "Since it began ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes the Gold Group of Spring 2023 Mastermind! January 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is delighted to welcome another talented group of leaders to our Spring Cohort of the Mastermind Program. The program has expanded into two groups this Spring, including the "Gold Group" pictured above, and the "Diamond Group," which began last week. "I could not be happier given the range of perspectives this group brings to the program, as well as their genuine desire to help each other get better in their roles as ... [..] read more


3 Essential Characteristics for Nonprofit Leaders (Jama Campbell) January 2023

As a nonprofit leader looking for funding, are you clear about what potential funders are looking for when evaluating an investment? In episode #194 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we talk with SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell about key leadership attributes her foundation looks for when choosing projects and programs to fund. She highlights the importance of projects which can be replicated, and the impact they have on both their community and the ... [..] read more


5 Keys to Balancing Passion and Impact in Charitable Work January 2023

5 Keys to Balancing Passion and Impact in Charitable Work

Philanthropists often engage in long and spirited debates about whether their donations should go to causes for which they have a personal passion or those that purportedly create the most impact for beneficiaries. Of course, these two goals are not mutually exclusive, but the topic quickly gets complicated, especially since nonprofits must court donors with complex motivations for giving. One trend that has gained steam ... [..] read more


PMA Welcomes the Diamond Group of Spring 2023 Mastermind! January 2023

PMA Nonprofit Leadership is delighted to welcome another talented group of nonprofit leaders to our Fall Cohort of the Mastermind Program. The program has expanded into two groups this Fall, including the "Diamond Group" pictured above, and the "Gold Group," which begins next week. "I could not be happier given the national perspective this group brings to the program, as well as their genuine desire to help each other get better in their roles as ... [..] read more


Social Impact Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders (Jacob Harold) January 2023

Many nonprofit leaders have social impact amongst their chief objectives, but do you know what social impact truly means and how to measure the impact you're having? In episode #193 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, social change strategist Jacob Harold shares his tools to help you transform your corner of the world. A former GuideStar and Candid executive, Jacob talks about the importance of collaboration, transparency, communication and comprehensive storytelling to assure a ... [..] read more


Everything You Think About Board Development Is Wrong (Sabrina Walker Hernandez) January 2023

What is the biggest misconception about board development that many nonprofit leaders face? Do you have the right members on your board and do they know exactly why they've been invited to join? Sabrina Walker Hernandez, who has over 25 years' experience in nonprofit management, answers these questions and more in episode #192 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership. She shares key advice for effective board engagement from recruitment and orientation through development and ... [..] read more


Managing Turnover as a Nonprofit Leader (Bert Armstrong) January 2023

As turnover affects every level of our nonprofit organizations, leaders are asking themselves "how do I attract and retain the talented people we need?" In episode #191 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, we speak with Bert Armstrong, who has served more than three decades in the philanthropic sector, about navigating turnover. He discusses how to avoid turnover in the first place, the best approach to a search process when it's necessary, and how ... [..] read more


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