Search Results for: node/board
Reasons to Have (& Not to Have) an Attorney on a Nonprofit Board
Because a nonprofit board’s success depends upon its gestalt as much as the traits of its individual members, boards should think a bit about the contributions an attorney might make.
Alternatives to Strategic Planning at Nonprofits
By staking too much on strategic planning, nonprofits often neglect other tools for making decisions, moving organizations, or learning.
Blue Avocado
Next FREE Webinar w/ Live Q&A: Understanding Nonprofit Law – Practical Guidance for Nonprofit Leaders February 5, 2026 • 11am PT Are Executive Orders Impacting Your Nonprofit? FREE Webinar w/ Live Q&A: Legislative & Executive Threats to Your Nonprofit July 31, 2025 • 11am PT Are Executive Orders Impacting Your Nonprofit? Please visit the Submit Your Article Become […]
A Nonprofit Partnership: How One Board Member Connected Two Organizations and Boosted Both
With some creative thinking, a nonprofit’s board member was able to forge a nonprofit partnership that advanced two causes that she cared deeply about.
A Board Member’s Guide to Nonprofit Insurance
Many nonprofit board members don’t think about the organization’s insurance until something adverse happens. Here’s the low-down on liability.
A Board Leads an Organization Out of the Ashes
A board chair shares how their organization found itself on the precipice of bankruptcy and then was able to walk away.
A Tiger Escaped Today, and I’m on the Zoo Board
A tiger escaped and attacked three visitors and killed one of them at the San Francisco Zoo. How did the zoo board react?
A 360-Degree Look at the Organization: Seeing Ourselves as Others See Us
The 360-Degree Look helps compensate for the board’s limited view of how well the organization is functioning by seeking other viewpoints.
The Year of Three Executive Directors: Important Lessons for Board Management
One board member’s personal trials and triumphs of serving on a board, including invaluable lessons that every board member can benefit from.
Fundraising Confessions of a Former Camp Fire Girl
In most nonprofits, board members need to fundraise to provide for the financial sustainability of their organizations. But how?
Get the Most Value from Your Audit
Audits are expensive in terms of money, staff time, and board attention. CPA Dennis Walsh tells us how to wring the most value from them.
Nonprofits: How to Have a Board Meeting By Telephone
In most states, it is legal to have board meetings by telephone if everyone can hear one another at the same time.
Ten Quick Ways to Invigorate Board Meetings
Board members invest a lot of time and energy at board meetings. A few small changes can often make that investment pay off in important ways.
What Are the Board’s Responsibilities for Volunteers?
A board of directors proactively supporting volunteer involvement can dramatically increases its potential achievement level.
Board Email: Reduce, Reflect, Rejoice!
Blue Avocado shares strategies to reduce the amount of unnecessary emails showing up in your nonprofit’s inboxes.
Board Insurance: Do You Really Need It?
If you are a part of a nonprofit organization, consider directors and officers (D&O) coverage as a “must have.”
2024 Blue Avocado Year in Review
The most read articles of 2024. The editor’s choice article. A recap by topic. This is the 2024 Blue Avocado year in review.
How Nonprofits Can Return to In-Person Board Meetings and Retreats
Explore these tips to have a safe and productive first in-person meeting with your board as the pandemic winds down.
Passion Meets Professionalism: Transitioning from Volunteer Leaders to Paid Staff
To be successful, transitions from volunteer leaders to paid staff must be planned, deliberate, and done in an orderly fashion.
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.