SEARCH Group Partners, Inc.’s Post

Leaders, are you ready to listen and learn outside of the box? If you've ever wondered why smaller nonprofits tend to have more diverse boards- read this article! A more diverse board could help members better understand the community. #changeisgood

Political polarization is causing problems in nonprofits, and that comes with a series of requisite challenges. How can nonprofits communicate in a tense environment when too many, it seems like everything is on the line? Diverse leaders have a substantial challenge ahead of them, but that doesn't mean that they don't have support behind them. It should not be their responsibility to de-politicize concepts like inclusion, instead, it's important to allow a nonprofit’s work to speak for itself through accurate and clear communication. #Nonprofit #HR #Culture

Thank you Kelly Rose for giving me the opportunity to write this article on such an impactful organization and group of people. Check it out at the link below!

Five lessons from Friday's nonprofit town hall.... 1️⃣ Networking is necessary! Nobody wanted to sit down at the start of the meeting. 😂 When the nonprofit sector only has a couple of opportunities each year to meet, networking is crucial! They want to catch up with friends and colleagues and they want to meet new potential partners and collaborators, so build it in! 2️⃣ Speak plain English! State Senator Monique Limón has a unique gift for explaining legislative processes in a way that everyone can understand, while not talking down to the audience. She explained how even minor change (like how the state communicates with nonprofits) can't be achieved without running a bill, using the example of needing a bill to approve the California grants portal website she created while an assemblymember. 3️⃣ #SpeakingUpForChange works! Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County spoke about a grant that was expected to be funded, but ended up on the chopping block because of a budget shortfall. Instead of allowing defeat, she went to Sacramento and testified about why the funding was necessary. Guess what: The grant was funded. You won't always get your way. But we can all learn from this example of standing up for what you believe in and not assuming that an undesired outcome is written in stone. 🪨 4️⃣ Engaging in policy change and advocacy is not "political!" Many of us shy away from advocacy work because we don't want to be "political." Geoff Green reminded us that advocacy is NOT PARTISANSHIP. Some people will ALWAYS consider advocating for needs like access to healthcare, housing, and racial and gender equity as partisan. But facts and numbers aren't "partisan." Keep the pressure on those in power, advocate for what you believe in and stay engaged. And if you didn't know, CalNonprofits is the org you want to hook up with to make this happen! 5️⃣ Audience tip: DON'T HOG THE MIC! Especially when time is short and there are 20 people in the room with hands up! ✅ Introduce yourself and your org in ten seconds or less. ✅ Plan how to phrase your question beforehand. ✅ Get straight to your question. ❌ DON'T thank the politicians for being there. ❌ DON'T ask a question that is specific ONLY to your org. ❌ DON'T spend more than a few seconds talking about your org. The meeting was hosted by State Senator Monique Limón, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, California Lutheran University Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Ventura County Community Foundation and Ventura County Office of Education and was extremely informative! Bonus notes below... 👇🏼 🔸🔸🔸 Fun fact: I've been speaking, teaching and #training for over 30 years, and coaching for 20! Catch my posts about building visibility, credibility and influence through engaging and authentic #presentations by following #SpeakingUpForChange and #ThisIsWhatProfessionalLooksLike. Look for my #LinkedInLearning course, "Micro-Presentations: Saying More in Less Time!"

Standing between two remarkable partners and incredible women, Megan Henderson and Angie Gallaway, at the Near Southside, Inc. member meetup hosted at the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth location. On my right, the great Megan Henderson with the Near Southside—an organization wholly committed to revitalizing Fort Worth’s Near Southside. Their mission extends beyond mere redevelopment; they foster connections between local businesses, nonprofits, and the community. Near Southside has partnered with us on two fronts as: 1. Business Association (T1T Community Leader): They lead the charge in empowering their city by uniting businesses and driving positive change through the That1Things platform. 2. Near Southside Arts (Nonprofit Arm): Their vision? To be Fort Worth’s creative epicenter—a hub for artistic expression. And on my left stands Angie Gallaway, with the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth. We’re confident that either you or someone you know has benefited from their invaluable services. As we continue to collaborate across sectors, amplifying organizational impact, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these partners. Together, we’re building a regenerative ecosystem that bridges business with community needs, allowing everyone to make an impact and leave their mark on the community. To all who seek community engagement, join us in demonstrating the value of shared experiences. Let’s make a lasting impact. #socialimpact #changemakers #chambersofcommerce #socialinnovation #circulareconomy

Check out our latest blog where we delve into the crucial connection between nonprofit organizations, and a thriving democratic society.   In a time marked by uncertainty and polarization, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between the communities we serve and governments. Nonprofits can play an essential role in shaping public policy that reflects the needs of our communities. 💡 Discover actionable ways nonprofits can enhance civic engagement, and activate our collective power. #Nonprofits #Democracy #PublicPolicy

In 2022, McDonald's introduced its Chicago Community Impact Grants Program in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust, investing in grants to neighborhood organizations advancing youth opportunities. In 2024, McDonald’s has deepened its commitment to support 19 local Chicago organizations helping to ensure that these partners have the resources to build skills and capacities of youth to prepare them for career pathways. #Chicago #Philanthropy #McDPartner Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ftg5rz

Nonprofits face a lot of nuances when it comes to real and tangible community engagement, I appreciate that more study is being done around the efficacy of impact, so that organizational leaders may approach this challenge who a holistic understanding of what a nonprofit can reasonably accomplish. What struck me about this was how important democratic and equitable decision-making is; the kind that gets direct input from the community in question. #Nonprofit #Justice #Culture #Community

Candor on Nonprofit Diversity: The Hard Truth The latest report from Candid highlights a concerning reality: minority-led nonprofits, particularly those led by women of color, are significantly underfunded compared to their white counterparts. Despite comprising 20% of the U.S. population, women of color lead only 14% of nonprofits with over $25M in revenue, while being overrepresented in the smallest nonprofits. This disparity in funding has far-reaching implications. When leadership reflects the community it serves, needs are met more effectively. Yet, these leaders are often expected to achieve miracles with minimal resources. As advocates, elected officials, and corporate leaders, we must champion equitable funding practices. Supporting minority-led nonprofits isn't just a moral imperative—it's a strategic one for sustainable social impact. Let's leverage this data to drive meaningful change and ensure that all nonprofits have the resources they need to succeed. 🌟 Call to Action: Advocates: Use this data to push for more inclusive funding policies. Elected Officials: Champion legislation that promotes equitable resource allocation. Corporate Leaders: Commit to diversifying your funding portfolios and supporting minority-led organizations. Together, we can build a more equitable nonprofit sector. #DiversityInNonprofits #EquityInFunding #SocialImpact #Leadership #NonprofitSector #Inclusion

Nonprofits can significantly impact voter turnout by leveraging their missions for influence and advocacy. Currently, there's a gap between potential and action. 2022 saw a 10-point turnout jump among those engaged in nonprofits during midterms - particularly among younger demographics and voters of color. That's the impact nonprofits CAN have, but only 13% of nonprofits reported engaging voters. “The underlying motivation is really about promoting equity, about building a more inclusive electorate where all voices are heard. At the same time, voting has real-world consequences for communities and the nonprofits that live in them." - Brian Miller, Executive Director, Nonprofit VOTE (NV) #Nonprofits #VoterEngagement #VoterAdvocacy #Mobilization #Equity