Had a great time co-presenting yesterday with Ginny Waller at the Idaho Nonprofits Regional Conference. We led a session on "The Power of Partnership: Using High Impact Collaborations Strategically." Click below to explore Gregory Nielsen’s Speaker Sheet, including just a few potential topics.
Calling all nonprofit leaders and Board members! I invite you to join me for 3 days of learning, relationship building, and thoughtful conversations at the upcoming Virtual Summit for Nonprofit Changemakers hosted by TopNonprofits. Just a few of the many highlights:
💥Dates: March 23-25
💥Approved by CFRE for up to 29 CE units
💥Keynote presentation from Vu Le
I will be leading a session on "Roads to Success for Nonprofit Mergers and Sustainable Collaborations." Join me there!
Important changes have occurred to 2 key stimulus programs impacting nonprofits and small businesses -- PPP and ERTC. Hear the latest and how they can benefit your organization!
Thoroughly enjoyed spending yesterday with the Board of Directors of CASA of Northeast Kentucky leading our Board Champions workshop. CASA of Northeast Kentucky recruits, screens, trains, supervises, and supports community volunteers who advocate for children who are removed from their homes due to substantiated child abuse and neglect. If you want to make a difference in the life of as child in your community, look into becoming a volunteer for your local CASA program!
In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, we explored the value of a Board Assessment as a tool for enhancing the health and performance of your Board. In Part 2, we will look at various methods of Board Assessment and address frequently asked questions to maximize the impact on your Board.
As with any project, when contemplating a Board Assessment, it is importnt to begin with the end in mind -- namely, what are you hoping to achieve through the effort? Generally speaking, assessments fall into one of two categories:
Individual Assessment
In an individual assessment, Board members reflect on their own performance as a member of the team. This provides an opportunity for members to consider questions such as:
Where have I made the most impact on the Board?
What experiences have I found most rewarding?
What aspects of governance have I found most challenging?
How do I feel my talents could be better utilized to benefit the team?
Often, you will find that Board members evaluate themselves far more critically than anyone else, but there is value in the enhanced self awareness. The benefit of an individual assessment is that Board leaders and the CEO gain vital insights into how best to put each member of the team in the best position to succeed.
Team Assessment
In a team assessment, Board members reflect on the performance of the team as a whole. This provides an opportunity for members to consider their view of the Board’s performance and effectiveness in key governance areas such as:
Policymaking
Planning
Fundraising
Ambassadorship
Financial and Programmatic Oversight
The Board can also weigh questions such as:
How do we feel about the size of the Board?
Do our meetings make good use of members’ time?
Is our committee structure aligned with our strategy?
Often, the greatest value of this process lies not in the instrument itself, but in the discussion that follows, as Board members take greater ownership of the leadership and functioning of their team. The Team Assessment also serves as a great tool for Board members to establish clear, actionable priorities and focus their efforts on defined opportunities for greater effectiveness.
Next, let’s address some frequently asked questions relative to Board Assessment:
How often should a Board undertake this assessment process?
I am a proponent of Boards undertaking a reflective or evaluative exercise of some kind on an annual basis, or at least every other year. Remember, there are different types of assessments, so you can vary it up and do an individual assessment one year and a team assessment the following year.
When is a particularly good time for a Board Assessment?
An annual Board retreat or the outset of a strategic planning process each represent a great opportunity to check-in on the health and performance of the Board. However, there is no bad time to step back and reflect on the effectiveness of the team!
How much time and effort should I spend researching various Board Assessments?
While you will find some meaningful differences between the various nonprofit Board Assessments available, you will find far more similarities. In my view, the greatest value of the assessment process lies in the facilitated discussion whereby the Board reflects on the results and establishes priorities. Therefore, time and effort is often better spent identifying a facilitator or trusted partner to guide your Board through this process in an effective way.
Whether you choose an individual or team assessment, your Board will find value in exploring ways in which they can tangibly improve their performance and culture as a team. If you have additional questions about Board Assessment, or would like to explore bringing the Nielsen Training & Consulting Signature Board Champions Assessment to your organization, please reach out to us at gregory@nielsenconsults.com.
Certain habits and routines are so familiar to us that we do them as a matter of practice. Once a year, it is recommended that we visit our doctor for a physical. Every 3,000 miles or so, we change the oil in our car. Every 6 months, we check the batteries in our smoke detectors at home. We don’t do these things because something is wrong or broken. Rather, we do them because there is value in checking in, value in a tune up, and value in establishing priorities for the future. Board assessment is similar in many ways.
In Part 1 of this 2-part blog series, explore the value of a Board Assessment as a tool for enhancing the health and performance of your Board. In Part 2, we will look at various tools and methods of Board Assessment and address frequently asked questions to maximize the impact on your Board.
Like any team, most nonprofit Boards will go through periods in which they are clicking on all cylinders and periods in which performance or effectiveness may dip. Just as having an annual physical may catch any symptoms of declining health at an early stage, so too can a Board Assessment help surface any early signals of declining effectiveness. A Board Assessment process offers the following benefits:
Greater Self Awareness
Boards are not able to address issues unless they first have a mechanism for identifying them. By providing Board members an opportunity to hold a mirror up to their own performance, a Board Assessment provides a safe and effective means of surfacing issues before they lead to conflict or dysfunction. Often, Board members will say during a discussion of the assessment results, “I had a feeling that was something we needed to address, but it is reassuring to see that others feel the same way.” On the flip side, a Board Assessment can also offer teams an opportunity to celebrate the areas in which they are thriving.
Alignment of Board Practices with Organizational Strategy
Boards, like nonprofit organizations themselves, proceed through stages of a life cycle. The practices of the Board of a fledgling nonprofit often differ from those of an established organization. Likewise, as the strategic priorities of a nonprofit evolve, so too must its Board habits to promote alignment and effectiveness. A Board Assessment helps align the priorities of the Board with the strategic imperatives of the organization.
Goal Setting
During Board retreats, I will often ask Board members, “What are your top priorities for the coming year as a Board?” Often, I will hear responses such as, “Be more engaged” or “Just be better.” While there is nothing wrong with these sentiments, they are akin to your doctor telling you at your physical to “Just be healthier.” The truth is that Boards have many responsibilities -- governance, fundraising, oversight, strategy, ambassadorship. It can seem overwhelming at times. A Board Assessment serves as an effective goal-setting process for Boards, helping members identify what’s important now (W.I.N.) and what 2-3 aspects of their governance responsibilities are most critical to address in the coming year. By providing tangible areas of focus and action steps, a facilitated Board Assessment can provide greater clarity and focus for your Board.
Be sure to check back for Part 2 of this blog series for discussion of the various types of Board Assessment and the benefits of each, along with answers to frequently asked questions! If you have additional questions about Board Assessment, or would like to explore bringing the Nielsen Training & Consulting Signature Board Champions Assessment to your organization, please reach out to us at gregory@nielsenconsults.com.
Nielsen Training & Consulting and Civitas Strategies are pleased to release a FREE resource to help you navigate stimulus funding and how to apply. The Stimulus Navigator takes you step-by-step through the key questions you need to answer to determine eligibility, forms needed, and even provides easy to complete worksheet samples.
Topics Covered:
PPP Round 1
PPP Round 2
Employee Retention Tax Credit 2020 and 2021
EIDL Advance with NEW information
Families First
Click below to access the Stimulus Navigator. If you have additional questions or would like to set up a consultation, please contact us. Stay safe and stay well friends!
From PPP Round 2 to Employee Retention Tax Credits, EIDL to Families First, there are many pathways to stimulus funding support for your nonprofit, but so little time available to learn them all. How can you maximize your opportunity? Learn about the six questions you need to answer to get the stimulus funding your nonprofit needs and deserves.
I recently sat down with my friend and colleague Patrick Jinks of The Jinks Perspective for an episode of his podcast The Leadership Window. Listen as I discuss with Patrick the 5 habits of healthy Boards. We also discuss practical, actionable strategies for elevating the performance and engagement of your Board.
Gary Romano of Civitas Strategies and Gregory Nielsen of Nielsen Training & Consulting discuss the impact of the potential stimulus bill on nonprofits and small businesses. We discuss what we know now, what we are hearing, and how the potential legislation could impact nonprofits and small businesses. Topics covered include:
Next round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Direct stimulus payments for individuals and families
Charitable giving incentives
Refundable tax credits available to nonprofits and small businesses
DATE: Monday, December 21, 2020
TIME: 12pm - 1pm eastern time
REGISTRATION FEE: $50
PRESENTER: Gregory Nielsen
DESCRIPTION:
Will your PPP loan be forgiven? For many nonprofits and other small businesses, this is a vital question.
Your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan remains debt on your books until you receive forgiveness. Prepare to maximize forgiveness by understanding the process, the requirements, the forms and the timeline. Leave prepared to navigate the forgiveness process and maximize loan forgiveness under the PPP.
All attendees will receive a pdf copy of the PPP Forgiveness Handbook providing step by instructions for selecting and completing each form!
Register below!
Time is precious, and so is your organization's mission.
Join me this Thursday, 12/10 at 1pm for a FREE webinar on "Tools for More Effective Board Meetings and Decision Making." My colleague Bill Neigher and I will discuss how to approach the challenges of board-level decision making in a virtual environment and will offer strategies for strengthening the effectiveness and impact of your work. Register below!
1 in 5 teens experience some form of hearing loss. 2.7 million veterans have service-connected hearing disabilities or are in treatment for hearing-related issues. Hearing Loss Association of America strives to give people the tools they need to live more successfully with hearing loss and to show them they do not have to face hearing loss alone. Honored to facilitate a Board Champions workshop for this talented Board!
Looking forward to presenting at next week's North Carolina Center for Nonprofits virtual conference. I will be leading a session on Board governance entitled "From 'Survivor' to 'Amazing Race:' Developing Board Champions." Join me there!
Honored to facilitate the Board Retreat for the Board and staff team of Alagille Syndrome Alliance. The Alagille Syndrome Alliance is an international nonprofit started in 1993. This talented and passionate team mobilizes resources, facilitates connections, promotes unity, and advocates for a cure to inspire, empower, and enrich the lives of people affected by Alagille Syndrome.
Effective strategy development requires thoughtful planning, an understanding of your nonprofit’s landscape, and a process for Board and leadership to make critical and effective decisions. I was honored to facilitate the strategic planning retreat this week for CASA of Lexington. CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are provided a safe and permanent home. So grateful for the vital work of CASA to benefit children and families!
Did you know that heart transplants don’t last a lifetime? The average is 17 years. 1 in 4 kids face a chance of needing another within 5 years. Enduring Hearts is a nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative research aimed at improving the lives of children living with transplanted hearts. Honored to facilitate today's Board retreat with this vital organization!
Excited to share that I will be presenting a workshop entitled "Engaged Board, Effective Fundraising" at the upcoming Build A Thriving Nonprofit Summit.
This summit was created to help you raise more money to increase your impact, engage your board to help fund your mission, and build community awareness to increase your donor base.
The summit is FREE, kicks off on Tuesday, October 27 and it’s going to be 4 action-packed days that you won’t want to miss.
Click the link below to learn more and hope you will join me there!
Board Chairs and CEOs may come from different backgrounds almost assuredly reflecting different life experiences, but together they hold the promise of what an organization can become and the impact it can have on the lives of those served. Honored to facilitate a series of workshops with the Executive Directors and Board Chairs of CASA programs from across Kentucky entitled “Pivotal Partners: Board Chair-Executive Director Partnership to Propel Your Mission.” With Executive Directors and their Board Chairs attending as a team, this engaging and interactive program featured critical discussions focused on developing the habits, practices, and relationships necessary to propel the organization’s mission forward. Special thanks to Kentucky CASA Network for sponsoring the workshop and bringing these outstanding leaders together!
Boards play a vital role in fostering a culture of evaluation. Healthy Boards embrace opportunities to reflect on their performance and establish clear governance priorities. Enjoyed facilitating our proven Board Champions Assessment (BCA) Tm yesterday with the outstanding team from Allegany Franciscan Ministries.