Category: Blog

  • Innovating with Intent: The Nonprofit Path from Concept Validation to Community Impact

    Innovating with Intent: The Nonprofit Path from Concept Validation to Community Impact

    In the world of nonprofit endeavours, innovation is not a word we hear as often as we ought to. In this sphere, where resources are often limited but the drive to make a difference is boundless, the path from a novel concept to meaningful community change demands more than just good intentions; it requires a…

  • Building Prosperity Together: The Role of Social Enterprise in Local Economic Development

    Building Prosperity Together: The Role of Social Enterprise in Local Economic Development

    In recent years, the concept of social enterprise has emerged as a potent force for local community development. Social enterprises, characterized by their dual focus on social objectives and financial sustainability, have increasingly become recognized for their ability to drive sustainable development, empower communities, and create positive social impact at the local level. Social enterprise…

  • Navigating Legal Structures: A Guide to Choosing the Right Framework for Your Social Enterprise

    Navigating Legal Structures: A Guide to Choosing the Right Framework for Your Social Enterprise

    Embarking on the journey of launching a social enterprise is akin to navigating a maze of legal frameworks, each offering its own set of rules, benefits, and challenges. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the bustling startup scene of Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs with a passion for social change find themselves faced with a crucial…

  • Why Social Enterprise Should be Your Non-Profit’s Next Strategic Move…

    Why Social Enterprise Should be Your Non-Profit’s Next Strategic Move…

    I remember doing my first social enterprise business plan nearly 15 years ago. It was for a local government in Latin America looking at resources to help indigenous communities. Even then I was amazed by the potential of this tool to help people. I have been a staunch supporter, cheerleader and coach ever since. I…

  • Empowering Change: Innovative Training Strategies for Non-Profit Volunteers

    Empowering Change: Innovative Training Strategies for Non-Profit Volunteers

    I remember the first time I had to go to a “Volunteer Orientation”. I was a new mom, and was joining a board for the first time. For three hours one Saturday morning, we watched a pre-recorded DVD on the organization, we signed some forms, and then they fed us some cookies and juice. That…

  • Do You Train Your Volunteers To Stay….?

    Do You Train Your Volunteers To Stay….?

    In the last few blogs we have talked about developing a segmentation strategy for your volunteers. Providing value to volunteers, making it fun and creating orientation packages that are interactive are but some of the strategies you can use. One of the hallmarks of most organizations is volunteer training. In the past volunteer training was…

  • Checklist for your Volunteer Orientation (Not Training) Package

    Checklist for your Volunteer Orientation (Not Training) Package

    Crafting the Perfect Volunteer Orientation Package: A Comprehensive Guide Volunteering is a cornerstone of community service, and the hearts that choose to give their time and energy deserve a warm welcome. The initial interaction between an organization and its volunteers sets the tone for the entire experience. That’s why creating an ideal volunteer orientation package…

  • Unleashing the Potential of Segmented Volunteer Recruitment:

    Unleashing the Potential of Segmented Volunteer Recruitment:

    A More Strategic Approach Recruitment Success Yesterday, we chatted about the dangers of a uniform approach to volunteer recruitment. Whether this is for your board or your volunteer program, recruiting today is becoming more challenging. One strategy has emerged as a game-changer: segmentation. By tailoring recruitment efforts to specific groups based on demographics, interests, skills,…

  • What Your Volunteers Really Want….

    What Your Volunteers Really Want….

    The Changing Landscape of Volunteerism One of the certainties of the nonprofit sector used to be volunteers. If you were a good organization, you could attract volunteers. However, times have changed. Traditional volunteering has begun its decline, leaving organizations with scores of unfilled positions. The questions on different forums and in discussion groups are filled…

  • The danger of the “Well-Meaning”  but Toxic Board Member or Volunteer….

    The danger of the “Well-Meaning” but Toxic Board Member or Volunteer….

    From the title you knew who I was talking about didn’t you? You know, that volunteer or board member who “means well”, the “I have a little extra time on my hands”, or the “I am a specialist in “X” and I see we are not doing this as an organization. Perhaps I can help?”…