Human Resources Q&A: Workforce planning is part of strategic planning

The question: I am a manager with a nonprofit service organization. We have just completed our strategic planning retreat. I appreciate the process and the new initiatives that have been identified as a result, however I am uncertain about how...

Governance Q&A: The importance of an independent auditor

My board chair wants to change audit firms to one where a friend of hers is a partner. If their quote is reasonable, is that ethically OK? I am assuming you are referring to the financial audit, since you likely...

Assessing the executive director’s performance

Purpose of the performance appraisal The performance appraisal gives both the board and the executive director the opportunity to review the executive director's agreed-upon goals and outcomes for the past year and to set goals and objectives for the coming...

Fundraising Q&A: How to count fundraising costs

How do I count fundraising costs to determine the average per dollar raised? The average cost per dollar raised is a frequently asked question but the answer is less meaningful if you’re trying to compare dissimilar charities who have traditionally...

So you want to be a manager?

You've been working in the nonprofit sector for several years now. You're good at what you do. Now you're eyeing the next logical step: a management position. We talked to Mary Bean, senior manager of human resources at the Canadian...

Charities & Sustainability: It makes sense for everyone to look at the triple bottom line

"The triple-bottom-line", "doing well by doing good", "going green" or just plain "sustainability". These are but a few of the catch phrases that have become commonplace in the language of business, government and nonprofit leaders over the past few years....

Governance Q&A: When the ED is stealing

I have direct evidence that my executive director is misappropriating funds from the charity where I work. What can I do about her behaviour without risking my job? This is a difficult situation. I think you mean the misappropriation is...

Fundraising Q&A: The art of strategic planning

Last month's article wrapped up with the benefits of Strategic Planning. That list will have convinced your board and chief executive of the importance of this process! With increasing competition for limited funds, engaged volunteers and dedicated staff your charity...

How to ensure an awesome audit

Audited financial statements are becoming a standard best practice among charitable organizations seeking to provide reassurance of financial integrity to stakeholders. The government, donors, suppliers, board members and other volunteers often look to this annual examination of an organization’s financial...

An interview with Marlo Raynolds

In honour of CharityVillage®'s 15th anniversary, we celebrate this sector's changemakers, individual men and women who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit and charitable arena, making change and a difference in the lives of many. Due to their hard...