http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org A blog for the business of nonprofits Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:53:54 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Recently, my brother became the CEO of a rather large, international, publicly traded company.  And when I received my first e-mail from him over his new signature, I was a little surprised to see that he was still using the diminutive version of his name.  So, I shot him an ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/03/makings-of-great-leaders/ So, the IRS has added 155 new employees to its Exempt Organizations unit, bringing the total to 921; 100 of these new employees have been assigned to the division that does audits of nonprofits.  Yipee!  Apparently, brain drain has been happening within the Exempt Organizations unit, as many with long ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/02/brain-drain/ Yo, Board Presidents:  put aside your egos and listen up!  Are you really the best person for the job? How do I dare even ask that question of someone who has been gracious enough and brave enough to volunteer her/his time to lead the leaders of an organization?  The many board ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/02/please-dont-pick-me/ People need to listen to Nancy Kolb, recently retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Please Touch Museum.  A highly accomplished individual, who steered the Please Touch Museum through 21 years of growth and accolades, she was able to negotiate not one, but two deals (okay, the first didn’t ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/02/the-power-and-influence-of-nonprofits/ Those of you who know me, know that I love the nonprofit sector.  Some might even go so far as to say I’m a missionary for the sector.  But that would be inaccurate, as I am not out to “win” anyone over or convert them to my way of seeing ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/02/pass-the-pepto-please/ Last week, the United States Supreme Court made a decision that could have huge implications for nonprofits across America, regardless of their missions. In Citizens United v Federal Election Commission, No. 08-205, the Supreme Court relied on the First Amendment protection of free speech to say, according to Justice Kennedy who ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/01/free-speech-for-nonprofits/ How do I say write this without sounding like an old fuddy duddy?  With great difficulty and a low likelihood of success! I think it is absolutely marvelous that the Red Cross has collected over $100 million from around the globe for the victims of the Haitian earthquake, predominantly through the ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/01/getting-comfortable-with-caring/ Ever since my son got his drivers' license, anytime he and his best friend from high school want to have a serious conversation, they get in the car and drive.  Long, long drives to no where.  Doesn’t matter what time of day or night, a conversation becomes a road trip.  ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/01/read-any-good-books-lately/ For a variety of reasons, many of us are happy 2009 is over. But that doesn’t mean 2010 will be our knight in shining armor.   As I’ve said before in this space, the economic fat lady hasn’t sung for any of us yet, least of all the nonprofit sector.  She’ll ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2010/01/whats-a-nonprofit-to-do/ With the economic downturn staring us in the face, it's hard to feel charitable even during this season of giving. But this has been a grim year for charities, just as it has for individuals and businesses. So charities are hopefully and anxiously anticipating this crucial period of year-end giving, ... http://www.nonprofituniversityblog.org/2009/12/crucial-time-for-charities/