Help Wanted: How to Identify and Cultivate Effective Nonprofit Leaders
- Pat Kelsaw
- May 20, 2024
- 8 min read
In last week’s post, “Nonprofit Leadership: Lessons from a
Septuagenarian”, I touched on some of the challenges of
aging executives and what it means for the future of
leadership in the nonprofit sector. Why am I writing about
this topic again? This is now my call to action (again, sigh).
There is a disturbing trend in the nonprofit sector can
have a devasting effect on the viability of the field: fewer
people aspire to leadership roles in nonprofit
organizations.
Through my work, I’ve been sounding the alarm to this
trend for over a decade. And now, another new study from the Building Movement
Project finds that aspiring leaders, especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of
color) leaders, aren’t being “pulled” (encouraged) to step into leadership positions
through support and positive role models but are more often “pushed” into top positions
to escape difficult work situations. The March 2024 report is part of the Race to Lead
This is nothing new to many of us. Just as more baby boomers are stepping down
from these top management positions, fewer people want to take their place. There
are many reasons for this: salaries, staff & board demands, increasing service needs,
etc. Collectively, we must find ways to reverse this troubling trend.
To spotlight the issue, many funders have supported an increasing number of
opportunities to support emerging leaders’ development. The emergence of young
and emerging leaders brings both opportunities and challenges. Empowering these
individuals not only fuels innovation, but it also helps to ensure the sustainability and
relevance of nonprofits in this ever-evolving world. However, it's essential to
recognize the unique hurdles faced by young/emerging leaders as they navigate their
roles, whether as leader, staff, or a board/volunteer member within the organization.
Stereotypes and biases. Factors based on age, race, and/or gender, can hinder
young/emerging nonprofit leaders credibility and authority within the organization.
Overcoming preconceived notions of younger leaders and the biases against aging
leaders’ roles, requires demonstrating competence, resilience, and the ability to drive
results/change. Building trust and earning respect from peers and staff members is a
gradual process that takes perseverance, patience, and determination.
While the challenges of nonprofit leadership are real and complex, there are some
intergenerational strategies that we can employ in the nonprofit sector to effectively
and support young/emerging leaders:
Embrace Succession Planning: Start planning for succession early and involve key stakeholders in the process. Identify potential successors (young/emerging leaders) within the organization or cultivate external talent who align with the organization's values and mission. Surround yourself with a strong, intergenerational support network of peers, mentors and advisors who can offer guidance, perspective, and encouragement during challenging times. Remember: if you’re the smartest person in your group, you need a new group!
Invest in Professional Development: Continuously invest in your own professional development and that of your staff and board. Stay abreast of emerging trends, generational traits/behaviors, technologies, and best practices in nonprofit management through conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Delegate and Empower: Recognize that you cant do it all and empower your staff/team to take on greater responsibilities. Delegate tasks and decision-making authority; provide or find mentorship and support to emerging leaders.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority to prevent burnout and maintain your physical and mental well-being. Establish boundaries, practice mindfulness, and cultivate hobbies and interests outside of work to recharge and rejuvenate.
Diversify Revenue Streams: If you’ve been following my recent posts, this has been a focal point! Nonprofit leaders can reduce their reliance on personal resources by diversifying your organization's revenue streams. Explore alternative funding sources such as grants, corporate partnerships, event/galas, and build a network of individual donors to ensure financial sustainability. Many of these dollars can be used for professional development.
Smell the roses! Navigating nonprofit leadership for new/emerging leaders
requires foresight, openness, adaptability, and resilience. Young/emerging leaders
often bring fresh perspectives to this work. Their innovative thinking can challenge
traditional approaches and inspire new solutions to complex social issues. By
embracing succession planning, investing in professional development, prioritizing
self-care, and cultivating a strong intergenerational support network, nonprofit
leaders can effectively address the unique challenges they face and ensure the
continued success and impact of their organizations for years to come.
I am passing the baton! I am happy that some of my former students, those I met
through my coaching or in my consulting work are taking on this incredible
responsibility, using their gifts & talents to empower this sector for generations.
Finally, some wisdom from a young friend – a 30-something year old, emerging leader
who is learning how to smell the roses: “It’s been weird to realize that life isn’t one big
commitment that you HAVE TO stick to; it’s a series of commitments to fill different parts of life.” Thanks to my friend, Mikala. Handmade purple rose bracelet from my granddaughter! She didn’t know that purple was her great-grandma’s aka (“L.B.”)
favorite color.
Thanks For Reading and Thanks in Advance for Sharing This Resource with Others!
Join me at this free 1-hour informational session to find out what your organization needs to get ready for soliciting grants. Grant writing isn’t just about just getting money! And you will
also preview my three-part course: “Beyond Writing: Tools & Strategies for Winning Grants” Both the webinar and the course are designed for novice grant seekers and grant writers within nonprofit organizations looking to prepare, establish, and enhance their grant programs.
Join me at my next Big Mama’s Table:
Free 1-hour webinar:
“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability” – A Preview
Date: Saturday, June 22 nd - 1:00 – 2:00 EST
From Big Mama’s Playbook:
Did you know:
It's important to know your "competition" in the nonprofit sector. Who provides similar services? Who funds them? Potential for partnership.
Grant Tip: Identify potential funders that support similar organizations/target populations
in your geographic and program areas. Learn from other nonprofits’ successes!
Are you new to fundraising and grant writing? Want to learn how to approach funders?
Free 1-hour webinar:
Find out what it takes BEFORE you begin asking for money from donors or funders!
Join me at this free 1-hour informational session for novice grant seekers and grant writers.
Learn some initial steps non-profits should take BEFORE the writing process even begins!
Hear about FOUR KEY aspects on increasing your grant funding success…why it’s more than just submitting a grant!
“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability” – A Preview
Date: Saturday, June 22nd - 1:00 – 2:00 EST
AND ALSO
Hear about my upcoming course to start your proposal development!
*Featured Grant Opportunities This Week:
Infants/Children: (new) The Detwiler Foundation invites applications for grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 in support of organizations that can demonstrate an impact on children dealing with issues such as health, welfare, security, and financial hardship. Please note: Organizations must be in the Pennsylvania counties of Chester or Montgomery; Atlanta, Georgia; Flathead County, Montana, the Upper Valley Region in Vermont/New Hampshire; or Portland, Oregon. Deadline: July 1, 2024 Grant Application (new) First Nations invites applications for its Native Youth and Culture Fund (NYCF) to assist tribes and Native American-led organizations that focus on increasing youth leadership and providing opportunities for intergenerational transfer of knowledge. Two-year grants ranging from $20,000 to $60,000 will be awarded. Deadline: June 5, 2024 Native Youth and Culture Fund The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation Game Changer Grants of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 assist organizations making a positive impact at the grassroots level. Organizations must directly serve children, with a focus on health or education. Future Canes Grants provide support to strengthen and grow youth hockey programs in North Carolina, ensuring that hockey is accessible for everyone. Deadline: May 31, 2024 The Carolina Hurricanes Community Foundation The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood supports projects in the following areas: early childhood welfare, early childhood education and play, and parenting education. Deadline: May 31, 2024, for letters of intent only. Caplan Foundation
Community: Borealis Philanthropy invites applications for the Spark Justice Fund (SJF) focuses on supporting grassroots and power-building groups to de-carcerate, close jails, and advance transformative visions of pretrial justice in the communities most impacted by incarceration. Applicants may request grants of $10,000 to $25,000. Next deadline: May 31, 2024 Borealis Philanthropy The Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), an affiliate of the San Diego Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in the Ramona region. Funding may be used to expand existing programs, replicate programs tested in other communities, or to launch totally new efforts. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. Deadline: May 30 th 5:00 PM PST Ramona Community Foundation The U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in U.S. Bank’s 26-state geographic scope: AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, and WY Grants are provided in a number of areas. From the website: “New and emerging organizations bring balance to our grant making through our Letter of Interest (LOI) application. Nonprofit organizations new to the U.S. Bank Foundation may submit an LOI at any time during the year.” U.S. Bank Community Possible Grant Program
Education: The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation provides support in Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Washington, DC, to assist organizations seeking to promote the arts or create programs that inspire, engage, and teach. No application deadline indicated. Funding Guidelines Grants facilitate hands-on STEM activities for North Carolina students. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Student STEM Enrichment Program supports diverse programs in North Carolina that enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities and pursue inquiry-based exploration. Grant awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Deadline: June 11, 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Health/Safety/Environment: (new) Ben & Jerry’s Foundation invites applications to its National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO), which offers two-year, unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—with an average grant size of $20,000 per year—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories. Deadline: October 1, 2024 NGO Application The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is administering the California Hazardous Waste Protection Fund, a grants program providing support to disadvantaged communities working on issues related to hazardous waste and toxins across the state. Established nonprofit organizations: grants in the range of $20,000 to $25,000. The foundation also welcomes proposals from small grassroots conservation and environmental justice groups, but the requested amount should be in the $5,000 to $7,500 range and not exceed 25 percent of the organization’s typical annual expenses. Deadline: Applications accepted throughout the year until April 2025 or when funds are exhausted. Rose Foundation People with Disabilities: The Borealis Philanthropy Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) supports groups led by people with disabilities, disabled people of color, disabled queer and trans folks, building a more liberatory world free from ableism. Grants of $75,000 per year for two years. Deadline: May 29, 2024 Disability Inclusion Fund Women & Girls: (new) P.E.A.R.L. Pledge is Pearl Milling Company’s community funding initiative focused on championing the empowerment and success of Black women and girls across the U.S. A total of $1 million will be provided to nonprofit organizations doing work or offering programming that serves Black women and girls in alignment with P.E.A.R.L. Pledge pillars. Grant awards: $10,000 - $100,000. Deadline: June 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM ET Grant Application
*This listing primarily focuses on regions of the country and targets communities: urban/suburban/rural where I have lived or worked, or other places that touch my life – where I know people are working hard to make a difference. And besides regional and state-specific grants, national and Federal grant opportunities related to the health and well-being of communities and families will also be included in this listing.
*Featured Career Opportunities:
Adjunct/Part-time Lecturer, Cal State-East Bay, Hayward, CA.
Multiple positions, Jose Torre Safe at Home Foundation, Los Angeles area and New York
*(listings included here are not a personal endorsement or for promotional purposes, just sharing…)
Weekly wisdom, in their own words:
“Being a fish out of water is tough, but that’s how you evolve.”
― Kumail Nanjiani (1978 -)
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