Insight Exchange

From Prestige to Peril: The Double-Edged Sword of Nonprofit-Government Contracts

The nonprofit sector is often celebrated for its altruism and service focus. While these organizations tirelessly work to fill societal gaps, they face substantial financial and operational challenges, particularly when navigating partnerships with government entities. One pervasive issue is the adoption of "negative value contracts" by governments—a growing concern that impacts nonprofits of all sizes. This blog delves into the implications of such contracts and offers strategies for nonprofits

Rising Above: Nonprofit Advocacy in the Face of Government Shutdown

Congress averted a federal government shutdown this weekend, giving the nation another 47 days of federal funding. This does not mean that your nonprofit can get back to business as usual. Things are not usual in Congress unless we presume that “usual” and “insane” are synonymous. Nonprofit leaders need to take two steps right now: advocate about the potential impact of a shutdown and review contingency plans. This post will address advocacy, explaining how nonprofits need to give voice to shutd

Powering Through Turbulence: How to Handle a Government Shutdown

You might think that your nonprofit is not impacted by events in Washington, D.C., particularly if you’re located far outside the Beltway. But just about everyone is impacted by a government shutdown, as shown right here in my home town of Madison, Wisconsin. As a nonprofit leader, it’s crucial for you to understand what a government shutdown is, how often they occur, how they can impact your organization, and how you can manage those impacts.

Why Nonprofit Leaders Must Become Aware of AI

In today's rapidly evolving landscape, the advance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undeniable. It’s seeping into every sector, rewriting how businesses operate, and redefining industries. The implications of AI for the nonprofit sector are twofold: on the one hand, it holds transformative promises, and on the other, it presents new and formidable risks. In this blog post, let's delve into why understanding AI is non-negotiable for anyone in the nonprofit space.

Redefining Nonprofit Strategy: The Case for Lean Strategic Planning

Strategic planning has been the cornerstone of nonprofit organizations for decades, touted as a necessary roadmap for success. While there's no doubt that having a plan is beneficial, the traditional top-down approach of strategic planning is increasingly being questioned. Welcome to the era of Lean Strategic Planning—a methodology that promises to be more realistic, flexible, responsive, and inclusive than its predecessor.