Some people refer to Cynder as the ultimate "nonprofit coach." With over 30 years experience in leading nonprofits to optimum effectiveness, Cynder is well positioned to help organizations achieve their full potential. Working with Cynder, organizations are strategically meeting today’s challenges and exceeding their expectations. Whether founding start-up nonprofits or restructuring complex organizations, Cynder has a proven track record in providing nonprofit management, board leadership, fund development, and infrastructure systems.
Cynder has served as chief executive officer of Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, Girl Scouts of the California central coast, and the Child Abuse Prevention Council in Stockton. She founded one national and two local organizations to meet the needs of farm worker families in the San Joaquin Valley. She also served for nearly two years as VP in Wealth Management for Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Her wide variety of experience in size, scope, and mission has provided her with a deep understanding of the needs of all types of organizations.
Current volunteer board service includes Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce, Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara, serves on committees for Santa Barbara County United Way, and serves as an advisor for the Corporate Philanthropy Roundtable.
Cynder earned her Doctorate in organizational leadership from University of Phoenix, her Master’s degree in organizational management from University of Phoenix, and her Bachelor’s
degree in consumer education from California State University, Fresno.
World-class communities through consistent world-class leadership.
To provide superior leadership tools and resources so nonprofit leaders and board members can make viable decisions that move organizations forward to a sustainable and vibrant future.
Do you ever worry about your board fiduciary responsibility? Do you wonder if your fundraising practices and internal infrastructure are sufficient to sustain your organization for the long-term? Are your management practices solid?
Whether your organization is newly formed or a large complex angecy, Nonprofit Kinect can help you achieve your goals and operate more effectively. We specialize in helping nonprofits function at a high level in every area of their organization. Specifically, Nonprofit Kinect helps organizations achieve their fullest potential in three key areas:
1. Board Leadership—ensuring a high functioning, engaged, and well-informed board to lead the organization to success.
2. Capacity Building—developing core skills, management practices, strategies and systems to enhance an organization’s effectiveness, sustainability, and ability to fulfill its mission.
3. Fundraising—creating a comprehensive fund development plan that meets financial goals as well as ensuring a high level of visibility within the community.
To ensure a high functioning, engaged, and well-informed board that will lead the organization to success, I offer the following services:
1. Assessment--Evaluate and assess current board composition and practices with recommendations for achieving a higher level of effectiveness.
2. Retreats—Facilitate board retreats for planning and teambuilding.
3. Planning—Coordinate all stakeholders in conducting a three to five year strategic plan, including action steps, timelines, and benchmarks.
4. Training—Conduct training for board members in governance, roles and responsibilities, and effective meeting plans.
To ensure the organization is operating efficiently and cost-effectively so it will be sustainable for the long-term, I offer the following services:
1. Assessment—Evaluate core organizational policies, systems, and management practices with recommendations for achieving a higher level of effectiveness.
2. Risk Management—Assess degree of risk at all levels of the organization including programs, management practices, and policies.
3. Training—Conduct training for key management staff to ensure safe, legal, and effective practices are being implemented.
4. Team Building—Conduct team building sessions with staff and board to achieve a higher functioning team.
To ensure the organization is operating efficiently and effectively in raising needed funds, I offer the following services:
1. Assessment—Evaluate current fundraising practices and evaluate capacity for increases.
2. Planning—Create a comprehensive fund development plan that meets the organization’s financial goals.
3. Coaching—Work with the fund development team to create the highest level of fundraising possible, including a world-class approach to coordination of staff, CEO, and board to achieve success.
4. Public Relations—Evaluate PR efforts within the organization to ensure a high level of visibility within the community, effective use of social media, and reputation as a thought leader.
I will meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your organization's issues. Then I will recommend a plan of action and calculate your investment based on your particular project. Cost depends on the size and scope of the project and length of engagement. I tailor the fee to align with your budget while accomplishing your goals. So, contact us for a free consultation and estimate.
This site is full of valuable information for nonprofit boards, staff, donors, businesses and community members. You will find articles on a wide variety of pertinent subjects including board recruitment and development, fundraising techniques, strategic planning, corporate social responsibility and much more.
Under the tab, "Featured Nonprofits," you will find a listing of many of our local nonprofit organizations in the Santa Barbara area as well as a link to their Website. Just click on the name of the nonprofit to read more. There is a calendar highlighting many of the local fundraising events.
The tab marked "Nonprofit Resources" provides a listing of local businesses and a link to their Website. Just click on the name of the business to read more. Businesses were chosen because they specialize in serving nonprofits. Each business has a list of valuable "tips" for nonprofits. Nonprofits will find this section particularly helpful when looking for a particular service.