Fall 2023 | Newsletter
Nonprofit vs. For-profit – a conversation I’ve been a part of numerous times.
After almost a decade in the for-profit sector and nine years in the nonprofit sector, it’s easy for me to identify one characteristic critical for success in both arenas – being a well-rounded leader.
Well-rounded leaders continually develop their skills to lead their teams and organizations effectively. They excel at making strategic decisions and adapting to changing landscapes to achieve their purpose. I am fortunate to know leaders in both sectors who strive to be well-rounded.
However, nonprofit leaders are facing an increasingly challenging landscape. According to Giving USA, in 2022, total giving declined 3.4% in current dollars or 10.5% when adjusted for inflation, while demand for services increased. Factoring in the current workforce development challenges, it’s difficult to navigate.
Helping nonprofit leaders face these challenges is our top priority. We are committed to seeking philanthropic support, so nonprofit staff and board leaders can access skill-building training courses that fit within their budget. We’re deeply grateful to our supporters who join us in providing these programs, and I invite you to continue reading and learn about two of the skill-building programs operating this fall.
Warmly,
David Weiss, Executive Director
Financial Leadership
We’re thrilled to report that thirty-seven nonprofit staff and board members are participating in the eight-week Financial Leadership program taught by our partner, Steve Zimmerman, Spectrum Nonprofit Services. Check out the video from Jamie LaFreniere to hear about her experience in the program.
In 2023, we introduced a ‘buy one, get one half-off’ offer for nonprofit leaders interested in enrolling in the Financial Leadership course. We’re thrilled to share that twelve of the 19 nonprofits represented took advantage of the offer to educate another leader from their organization.
Our rationale behind the ‘half-off’ offer is to increase the likelihood of implementation of the concepts learned. A second voice at the decision-making table strengthens the financial choices that must be made to ensure sustainability and increase effectiveness.
Leading with Care in a Tough World
A recent Gallup report, revealed only 15% of employees in the U.S. reported being truly engaged in the workplace. Moreover 90% of employees surveyed believed their leadership ‘Lacks communication skills to lead”.
Local leaders, Bob DeKoch, former Boldt Company CEO, and Dr. Philip Clampitt, UW-Green Bay professor, work to combat these statistics by sharing their leadership expertise in training seminars and authoring several books, including Leading with Care in a Tough World, Beyond Servant Leadership.
On November 6, Leadership Institute graduates will have the unique opportunity to learn directly from Bob and Phil in a leadership workshop that participants are co-creating. Additionally, participants can also engage in a book study group to further enhance their learning.
Providing programming and opportunities for Leadership Institute graduates to network while enhancing their leadership development is a win for everyone!
We appreciate all our investors for their steadfast support of our programs and the cultivation of well-rounded leaders in the nonprofit sector.
Pictured below: Leadership Institute alums attending a Leadership Forum event. Front row: Leah Thibodeau, Peter Lee, Lori Jensen, Rosangela Berbert, Diane MacDoals, Hillary Armstrong, Hope Schaefer, Erin Schultz-Wege Jen Ainsworth, Lisa Jones. Back row: David Weiss, Kathy Dean, Cindy Flauger, Michael Hall, Jen Parsons.
