Capacity, conflict, goals, measurement—many facets to consider when forming a nonprofit network. Sometimes, it can even be difficult to know which questions to ask. I’ve curated a list of common questions for network success, along with my thoughts on each question. While no network is the same, there are some common patterns I see across… Continue reading Social Impact Network: Frequently Asked Questions
Information is more important than ever to make a lasting social impact. With the right insights, nonprofit networks can pinpoint challenges, brainstorm solutions, and take action to build better strategies. So why do networks get stuck using data to grow? There is so much data out there, so it is no surprise that many… Continue reading How to Use Data to Boost Your Network’s Social Impact
When money helps mobilize, social impact funders often face the pressure to see a return on their investments. From nonprofit efficiency and sustainability to a measurable impact, checking all the boxes for a worthwhile investment can seem far-fetched. Individual nonprofits also feel the pressure. Scoring big wins despite few resources, measuring impact without the proper… Continue reading A Funder’s Guide to Social Impact Networks
President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper to help close the opportunity gap for boys and men of color in 2014. After learning about it, Delia Farquharson and Francis Wynne began rallying community members, local officials, school board members, and children’s mental health leaders to set up a coalition in their hometown, Mt. Vernon, New York.… Continue reading Handling Conflict in Nonprofit Networks
Gaining community buy-in for your social impact network is a critical challenge for many network leaders. Whether networks aim to recruit emerging community leadership or partner with seasoned grassroots organizers, leaders can struggle to make an impact when their target communities face conflicts to get involved. These challenges can get tougher when networks look to… Continue reading How Can My Network Effectively Engage with the Community?
In my previous blog, we discussed building and strengthening your social impact network’s theory of change. After defining the social problem, mapping interventions, and exploring assumptions, the question still lingers: What now? While a theory of change puts your network into the context of the social problem, it does not necessarily define steps to take… Continue reading Strategic Planning to Strategic Doing
Your social impact network is always at risk. Even for a seasoned network lead, the risks of guiding a collective impact model can make you shiver with uncertainty. From member disengagement to misaligned goals and competing interests to network failure, there’s a lot to ensure goes right to meet your shared mission. What if I… Continue reading Refining Your Social Problem Strategy for Your Nonprofit Network
Is Change Theory Enough? Turning Theory Toward Tenacity When nonprofits and their networks work toward the social good, one common goal tends to surface: sustainable impact — a social impact that makes a difference toward long-term social progress. Even for established nonprofits, long-term outcomes can seem distant and out of reach. Nonprofits must define the… Continue reading Is Change Theory Enough? Turning Theory Toward Tenacity
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the power of human connection has come center stage, especially for underserved and resource-limited communities. For those without access to stable housing, food, and social services, systems of connection can often open doors to community resources that ease urgent individual challenges. In the past decade, federal policy efforts… Continue reading Systems of Care Empowering Resilient Communities With Your Network Strategy
Even with passionate staff, a clear vision, and the right funding, nonprofit goals can still seem out of reach without the right leadership. With an informed and active board of directors, nonprofits can build momentum toward helping their communities. But are your leaders the right fit? In 2022, nearly 17% of U.S. nonprofits claimed that… Continue reading Is Your Nonprofit Board Falling Short?
