Jan Masaoka
Posts by Jan Masaoka:
Everything We’ve Been Taught About Major Gifts is Wrong
Different nonprofits have different trajectories that result in different assets at a given stage of development.
From Black Panther to Nonprofit CFO
Interview with Norma Mtume, former Black Panther and co-founder of SHIELDS for Families in Los Angeles.
A Board Member’s Guide to Nonprofit Overhead
Calculating overhead rates and managing expenses are important roles. Board members need to bring an informed perspective to oversight.
Who’s the Boss? The Board or the Executive?
There is an abundance of advice for nonprofit boards and EDs that speaks to the advantages of “partnership” and “open communications.” But sometimes that advice just doesn’t feel like enough.
The Very Good but Seriously Flawed Executive Director
No executive director has all gifts, and many are brilliant. But what about the nonprofit CEO who is terrific in some ways but whose strengths are matched with some troubling flaws as well?
Following a Founder or Long-Timer Requires a Hard Head
Blue Avocado asked for potential interviewees who had followed a founder or a long-time executive. We didn’t expect 58 people to respond.
Ten Things Boards Do Right (Without Even Realizing It)
Boards and board members don’t get credit for some important work they do without even realizing they are doing it.
DIY: Make a Bylaws Cheat Sheet
Bylaws Cheat Sheet: If a copy of the by-laws is handy, it’s tedious to have to look over all the legalese for an answer to a simple question.
How to Staff and Support a Committee
Nonprofit managers should know how to support a committee of volunteers: An Advisory Committee, a Board Finance Committee, or a coalition.
Adding It All Up: Nonprofit CFO Study
A survey of 906 nonprofit finance professionals reveals some surprises about these crucial-but-often-overlooked staff.