The following three practices will help your nonprofit plan for and secure its future financially, programmatically, and organizationally.

There's one difference between organizations that are successful and those that flounder. It’s not who is on their board, or how much money they have in the bank, or even how well-known they are in the community. It’s whether they consistently follow a solid, functional strategic system faithfully throughout the year.

Successful nonprofit leaders know that the strategic planning process is just the beginning, laying the foundation for real action in real time.

Nothing communicates the importance of your nonprofit’s mission like a good story—not statistics, not strategic plans, not financial statements, not even your mission statement. It’s all about stories. Real life stories connect us emotionally, stirring our sense of possibility and yearning for purpose.

There are certainly many benefits to volunteering. The beauty of it all is that while you are helping others, you are also actually helping yourself.

Is your nonprofit taking complete advantage of Santa Barbara Foundation’s Express Grants? Find out how these little jewels can add tremendous value to an organization by focusing on capacity building activities.

Executives from 36 local nonprofit organizations crowded into the Alumni Room at the University Club this week eager to hear Pam Lewis, Hutton Parker Foundation’s COO, report on the foundation’s history, current activities, and future plans.

Some people know Peter Karoff as founder of The Philanthropic Initiative, others as the wise advisor to donors, and foundations and many local nonprofits, still others as a long-time member of Social Venture Partners. The lucky ones have heard Karoff recite his beloved poems at public gatherings and address meetings of funders or nonprofits. You will enjoy his wise counsel and appreciate his profound intellectual curiosity.

Ever wonder why some nonprofits seem to always have great boards while others consistently flounder? Stellar boards don’t just happen by accident. It takes lots of planning, relationship building, and training. If you diligently follow these few best practices you, too, can build a superb board.

Having a clear plan, a strong team and re-energized commitment will ensure your organization’s fundraising success in the new year.