YPO’s Post

Strategic planning is about making decisions that provide clarity and alignment to best put critical resources to use to achieve your nonprofit's goals. It sounds simple, yet many organizations struggle with the process, not knowing why, where, or how to start. This article can help. It shares four vital elements common to most strategic planning approaches and a number of common pitfalls to avoid. https://zurl.co/m6V3 #Nonprofit #NGOs #StrategicPlanning #Strategy #Planning #BoardOfDirectors #HospiceBoard

This SSIR article on “unleashing” as a scaling strategy provides a great summary of lessons learned from implementing this approach as well as suggestions for funders. Unleashing is the process of giving up control of a model or program in service of bringing the desired outcomes to scale in a way that one organization alone could not accomplish. It requires an analysis of the core features of a model that are integral to success along with the flexibility to allow new partners to have complimentary definitions of success. As for the role of philanthropy, the authors share these thoughts: “Stepping onto the path to scale is a risk. It requires resources, vision, and the courage to try and fail. Funders can support organizations that are ready, both with financial support and with technical assistance…Philanthropy can also connect nonprofit leaders with each other and join in the exploration of what “unleashing” could look like for their grantees.”

Whether you've gone through strategic planning with your organization one time or one hundred, this piece by The Bridgespan Group reminds us of the important questions we need to ask to create clarity and alignment with our missions and the resources we have to work towards them. #nonprofitleadership #peerlearning #strategicplanning https://lnkd.in/gCyW-iud?

As an alum of the Inaugural 4.0 Angel Syndicate Fellowship, I learned invaluable knowledge of philanthropy that I consistently put into practice each day as an nonprofit Executive Director. #LearningDontStop Most importantly, the 4.0 Angel Syndicate Fellowship is a unique opportunity to join in collective giving with a talented cohort of black leaders whose passion, story, lived experiences, and life mission is aligned to closing gaps and creating our own spaces - something that many of our parents, grandparents, great grandparents could only dream of. #WeSitOnShoulders This experience gave me the chance to: 1. Provide funding to a charter school focused on social emotional learning 2. Support a nonprofit founder create healing spaces for black and brown children 3. Meet and learn alongside remarkable leaders such as Paris Woods, Ed.D., Dr. Destiny Shantell Woodbury,and Dennis Maurice Dumpson just to name a few. If you don't know them - click on their profiles and see how they empowering and dispelling myths in financial literacy, DEI, and educational equity. #WeAreDreamers #WeAreDoers Are you on the fence? Then there's interest and you care. If you're interested in philanthropy, funding education ventures, or creating synergy through collective giving to create more businesses, schools, initiatives, and organizations, consider applying to the third cohort of the Angel Syndicate! #ApplyToday To learn more at 4pt0.org/angelsyndicate and register for virtual recruitment events at 4pt0.org/events You won't regret it! #4.0 #AngelSyndicate #ASFAlum #DoItForChange #DoItFortheCommunity #DoItFortheFuture #FundWhatFeedsYou

🌟 Embracing the Power of Change 🌟 Every morning, the drive to make a positive impact propels me to work. Meet Gloria, a 10-year-old student at Hill View Primary School Buyengo, Jinja district. Living with her mother and four siblings in Buyengo village, life was a challenge with a small shack business earning UGX 2,000 to UGX 5,000 daily. Attending Teach A Man To Fish's business planning training opened doors. Market research revealed an untapped demand for clothes. With a UGX 400,000 startup kit, including an umbrella, second-hand children’s clothes, and a bicycle, they launched their business. Within a month, profits soared, empowering them to expand and overcome competition by transforming into a mobile boutique. Gloria's net profit of UGX 7,000 to UGX 10,000 per day fueled a positive cycle. School fees, books, a bed, and blanket—everything was possible. Gloria testifies, "I attend school regularly, afford materials, and our family situation has improved. I have three meals a day and a bed I didn’t have before." Future plans include expanding to weekly markets for a more central location. As a development practitioner passionate about livelihood and community development, witnessing such transformation drives me. If Gloria's story inspires you too, and you would like to support the work of Teach A Man To Fish this #GivingTuesday, you can - here! https://lnkd.in/dG_YBaRU Your contribution can be a catalyst for more stories like hers. 🌍✨ #MakeADifference #CommunityImpact #DonateToday

I’ve mentored a few founders recently to “play the game.” It’s folks who are similarly mission driven, have early traction in the health/caregiving space, and are getting ready to fundraise. My candid advice can be kind of shocking I’ve noticed. But here’s the thing: I think there’s something in hearing “play the game” that sounds like cheating. It’s not. That’s totally different and I’d never condone that at all. Consider college applications. Students who can access college consultants recognize there is a way to strengthen their candidacy. They are not saying they’d cheat to get there. They’re saying they want help navigating a system that they recognize is opaque. Do we all wish it were more equitable? That the systems were more meritocratic and transparent? ABSOLUTELY. But let me tell you…when I speak to founders who have raised successfully they say they learned the right positioning, process, strategy, and stakeholders. It’s like running a play in basketball. It’s getting a view of the court, knowing who in your team should cut in or screen, and how to overcome any blocks between you and the basket. The difference would be stepping on the court and throwing the ball up with nothing but a prayer. —— (Separately, last call for tomorrow’s fundraising workshop - link in bio above. Should be fun!)

🌈 Friday Excitement: Anticipating a Bright 2024! As the week draws to a close, I'm filled with anticipation and excitement for the incredible opportunities awaiting in the new year! 🚀 Every week brings fresh inquiries from schools and nonprofits eager to explore the world of grants. Here's a glimpse of what's on the horizon: 🏫 New Beginnings in Tennessee: Thrilled to announce my collaboration with a new private school in Tennessee. Together, we'll embark on a journey to secure grant funding that propels their educational vision into reality. 🌴 Sunshine State Ventures: A new charter school in Florida is on the horizon, and I can't wait to dive into the possibilities that lie ahead. From crafting compelling proposals to navigating the grant landscape, it's a journey I'm excited to share. 🌐 National Nonprofit Partnership: Joining forces with a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting charter schools is a prospect that aligns seamlessly with our mission at Granting Your Vision. Together, we'll work towards a shared goal of accelerating academic achievement for all students. These opportunities resonate deeply with the core mission of Granting Your Vision—to help charter schools, private schools, and nonprofits excel in their academic missions through strategic funding, program development, and continuous improvement. Here's to the promise of a vibrant 2024, filled with impactful collaborations and transformative projects! 🌟#NewOpportunities #GrantingYourVision #ExcitingFuture #2024Journey

“When should a funder start engaging in Beyond The Grant support? Now. Today. Yesterday. The time is always right to be in service to and solidarity with grantees.” - Rhonnel Sotelo. Beyond the Grant (BTG) support is non-monetary support a foundation provides to its grantees. It comes in countless forms, like capacity building services, technical assistance, coaching, and creating networking opportunities. Jenna Stauffer joined the RFF team in 2020 with the singular goal of providing our grantees with support Beyond the Grant. In our newest piece, Jenna reflects on the last few years of building the capacity and strength that already exists in the organizations we fund. BTG support can be likened to human anatomy: each part of the body serves a critical purpose and works in harmony with the others. Head: offers a foundation’s skills and talents to grantees. Ears: listens deeply to what a grantee needs. Hands: takes on low-priority tasks so grantees can focus. Mouth: amplifies the good work of grantees. Heart: builds a relationship of empathy and compassion. Read the full piece below: #Beyondthegrant #beyondthecheck #btg #capacitybuildingsupport #GoOutandDoGood #OaklandEducation #philanthropy #BayAreafunders #OaklandFunders #trustbasedphilanthropy

🔊 Dive into a deep and insightful conversation where Witnie A. Martinez, Ed.S., an unwavering advocate for education and community support. In this episode, Witnie shares invaluable perspectives on fostering equity in education through strategic nonprofit involvement and community collaboration. 🌍 Transforming education extends beyond the classroom. In-kind support, engagement from organized parent groups, and a strategic funding focus can make all the difference for Title 1 schools. Experience Witnie's profound discussion about the trials and triumphs in the world of nonprofit education funding. 🎧 Listen now to "Our Classroom" and get equipped with actionable insights on education reform and the significance of equity in philanthropy. 3️⃣ Key Takeaways for Our Listeners: 🤝 Community Engagement: The power of in-kind donations, parent group organization, and strategic collaborations with local entities can significantly boost support and fundraising outcomes for schools. 📈 Sustainable Nonprofit Growth: Understand the challenges nonprofits face in the balance of growth and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of strategic scaling and internal equity. 💡 Trust-Based Funding: The need for funders to grant with trust, reducing the burden of red tape that can dilute a nonprofit's mission and impact. Welcome to Our Classroom! #OurClassroomPodcast #EducationEquity #NonprofitImpact #StrategicGrowth #EducationReform #Philanthropy #CommunitySupport #WitnieMartinez #Podcasting #EquityInEducation https://lnkd.in/e5CJwXWe

This was easily one of my highlights of 2023. Earlier this year, I got to attend one of the in-person interviews hosted by One Bead. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with students at Higginson-Lewis School in Boston. I shared my journey of moving from Ecuador to Boston to start Waku, and navigating the entrepreneurial path as a Latino in the USA. The experience of engaging with these 4th and 5th graders, many of whom share Latin roots and English as a second language, was truly heartwarming. During our time together, I witnessed their enthusiasm and curiosity, not just about my journey, but also about possibilities for their own futures. A lot of these kids, just like me, dream of becoming entrepreneurs one day. This experience solidified why I became a board member of One Bead. One Bead is on a mission to close the opportunity gap faced by students of color in Boston. Our focus is on connecting leaders of color with students, creating a bridge to opportunities that might otherwise seem out of reach. Representation matters, and that's why I'm passionate about helping One Bead grow its impact. Last year, One Bead reached over 1,000 students in Boston, and we're eager to expand this reach. Education is about more than just textbooks; it's about instilling confidence, fostering a strong sense of identity, and building connections within communities. 💡 How You Can Make a Difference: 🌈 $50 - Sponsor a Student: Empower a young mind on their journey. 🌐 $100 - Support a Virtual Interview: Bridge the gap in a digital world. 📚 $200 - Bring a Leader into a Classroom: Inspire the leaders of tomorrow. 🏫 $1,000 - Sponsor a Classroom: Impact an entire learning environment. 🎓 $6,000 - Sponsor a School: Support education on a larger scale. Custom donations are encouraged—every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. On this #GivingTuesday, please consider supporting One Bead's mission to create opportunities for students in Boston. Your generosity can help us reach even more young minds and make a lasting impact on their educational journey. To donate, click https://lnkd.in/ddw6dHTQ Together, let's make a difference and empower the leaders of tomorrow! #Boston #RepresentationMatters #MakeADifference