Nine Points Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know

Hello friends,

I hope this email finds you doing well. This week I am reflecting on the nine points I believe everyone needs to practice to be a successful nonprofit social entrepreneur and leader.

Reach out to me with your thoughts and questions. I would love to hear from you.

Also, check out this week's five fundraising opportunities, the five most downloaded free tools, and the inspiring story.

Have a great week ahead!

Kind regards,
Tom Stader
Founder of Nonprofit Insights &
Founder of The Library Project

Nine Points Every Nonprofit Leader Should Know

Nine points I believe everyone needs to practice to be a successful nonprofit social entrepreneur and leader.

Look for people's strengths; set team members up for success by focusing them on what they are good at.
Look for passion in team members; experience is not necessary. Passion is what matters.
Accept people's inadequacies; no one is perfect.
Nothing is perfect, ever.
Empowerment and trust; are the foundational building blocks of a leader.
Empathize; you have no business in the NPO/NGO sector if you cannot do this.
Results matter; impact grows out of tangible results achieved. Start there.
Failure is an opportunity; it's up to you to find the opportunity hidden inside failure.
Kaizen; sustained incremental improvement is more powerful than leaps forward.

Three additional thoughts that I reflect on regularly.

I do not have an MBA; I don't believe they are essential for social entrepreneurs of nonprofit organizations located anywhere. Business theory and getting stuff done rarely coexist. You don't need an MBA to be a successful social entrepreneur. Just get out there and make a difference.
I focus on my strengths; I surround myself with people who are good at everything else. I spend no energy improving what I'm not good at.
The global education system doesn't serve everyone; it leaves people behind by design. For that reason, team members look to employers to further their education.

FIVE FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

Google: The website address is https://www.google.org/. Google.org is the charitable arm of Google, which supports organizations that use technology and innovation to address social challenges. Interested organizations can apply for a grant through their website by submitting a proposal that outlines their project and how it aligns with Google.org’s focus areas.
Coca-Cola Foundation: The website address is https://www.coca-colacompany.com/foundation. The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company and supports projects related to education, health, and environmental sustainability. Interested organizations can submit a proposal through their online application system.
Microsoft Philanthropies: The website address is https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/philanthropies. Microsoft Philanthropies is the charitable arm of Microsoft, which supports organizations that use technology to create positive social impact. Interested organizations can apply for a grant through their website by submitting a proposal that outlines their project and how it aligns with Microsoft Philanthropies’ focus areas.
Johnson & Johnson Global Community Impact: The website address is https://www.jnj.com/caring. Johnson & Johnson Global Community Impact is the philanthropic arm of Johnson & Johnson, which focuses on improving health and well-being worldwide. Interested organizations can apply for a grant by submitting a proposal through their online application system.
Intel Foundation: The website address is https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/intel-foundation.html. The Intel Foundation supports programs that promote education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Interested organizations can apply for a grant by submitting a proposal through their online application system.