Resources for Nonprofit Leaders

• Blue Avocado is an easy to read e-newsletter filled with useful information, provocative commentary, and tools for working productively. Check out its archive to benefit from all the topics that have been covered either in Blue Avocado or the earlier Board Cafe.
• The Nonprofit Quarterly considers itself the Harvard Business Review for the nonprofit sector. Current articles and commentary available online; print subscriptions available.
• More than 3,000 executive directors participated in Daring to Lead 2011, a national study produced in partnership by CompassPoint and the Meyer Foundation. Explore this website for reports, current findings, and to learn about the implications for nonprofit executives and boards, philanthropy, and capacity builders. In 2015 Third Sector New England published Leadership New England that offers an up-to-date New England perspective.
• Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce provides a current look at compensation in the Massachusetts nonprofit sector. The survey, sponsored by Third Sector New England, is a searchable salary and benefits information resource for small to mid-sized nonprofits.
• Social Media Resources from the American Antiquarian Society – Social Media Presentation [PPT] and Social Media Policy [DOC].
• Discover the latest advice and tools for accessing the skills of Encore Talent (professionals ages 50+) for your organization.

The New England Nonprofit Consultant Directory is a free, searchable database that identifies consultants serving New England states. You will find information on a consultant’s practice, fees, specialties, and clients in a variety of fields. This site also provides tools and tips for hiring and working with consultants.

Access the Directory

• Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
• Nonprofit 411
• Worcester Public Library Grants Resource Center
• Associated Grant Makers
• Women in Development of Central Massachusetts
• Planned Giving Council of Central Massachusetts
• Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s List of Local Funders [PDF]
• Fletcher Foundation Grant Guidelines [PDF]
• Stoddard Charitable Trust Guidelines [PDF]
• CMEA The Employers Association

• Executive Director Performance Appraisal - Includes consideration of issues plus templates that provide a starting point for your review.
• For Executive Directors - This Sample ED Job Plan [PDF] will help you identify and document your priorities for the year ahead.
• Models and Components of Great Nonprofit Dashboards - This resource will help your organization determine the measures it will focus on to reach its goals.
• Volunteer tracking
• McKinsey & Co. Board Self Assessment Tools
  Short Form [PDF]
  Long Form [PDF]
• Financial Management - Get the most up-to-date and effective tools for assuring that your nonprofit board and staff follow the best in financial management advice. Brief videos with FMA founder and manager Hilda Polanco, a valued presenter at NSC programs, provide guidance on what you will find at this site.
• Are you a candidate for merger? Learn about the key questions to consider, and why exploration can be beneficial, in this CompassPoint guide.
  
  
  

• For information about board responsibilities and organizational filing requirements, visit the Massachusetts Attorney General’s web site. You’ll be able to download the AG’s Guide for Board Members of Public Charities, a valuable addition to your board orientation packet.
• BoardSource Recommended Governance Practices  - These practices can be used as a road map for boards to become strategic assets for their organizations. They reflect BoardSource’s decades of experience working with tens of thousands of board leaders and conducting extensive research on board practices. 
• Board Chair Toolkit - If you're a Board Chair, take advantage of this toolkit.
• Helpful Information for Board Members provides insights that strengthen your board service and your organization.
• BoardSource is a national organization dedicated to improving the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations by strengthening their boards of directors. It offers excellent materials on governance, a national conference, and training. For brief updates on important topics, visit the BoardSource blog.
• Have you evaluated your organization’s risks and determined how you will cover them? Check with the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, which offers publications, training, and technical assistance.
• When your organization’s leader moves on, you benefit from understanding all your options. For resources about executive transition in Massachusetts, contact Third Sector New England’s Executive Transition Program. Other sources of helpful materials may be found at CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and Transition Guides (now Raffa) and through this very useful toolkit from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.