Nonprofits bring in consultants, coaches, and advisors all the time — to strengthen operations, build fundraising capacity, or develop strategic plans. We invest in professional development for staff and leadership teams because we understand that growth takes structure, support, and skill-building.

But when it comes to our boards — the very people charged with helping us achieve our missions, secure resources, and drive sustainability — are we truly setting them up for success?

In my experience, not often enough….

Serving on a nonprofit board is both an honor and a responsibility. While governance and oversight are critical, the most effective boards know their role goes beyond reviewing budgets and approving minutes.

True support means walking beside the CEO—understanding the weight they carry, creating space for candid dialogue, and offering partnership where it matters most.

And sometimes, that support starts with asking the right question….

Are you the reason your fundraisers are burning out?

This might be a hard question to sit with — but it’s one program staff, operations teams, and leaders NEED to ask. How well your organization collaborates with development directly impacts your ability to deliver on your mission…..

In many organizations, fundraising is seen as the responsibility of the development team or the board. CEOs often view their role as setting strategy, managing staff, and reporting to the board — while leaving fundraising to others.

But here’s the truth: when a nonprofit CEO shows up in fundraising, the entire organization benefits. Donors see that the mission matters enough for the top leader to invest time and energy. Staff feel supported. The board gains confidence. And most importantly, the organization is better positioned to secure the resources needed to achieve impact.

Yes, fundraising can feel uncomfortable. Asking for money doesn’t come naturally to most of us. But leadership isn’t about staying comfortable — it’s about doing what the mission requires.

Five Ways Nonprofit CEOs Can Step Up in Fundraising…

Behind every fundraising strategy is a bigger question: are we building trust, or just chasing dollars?

Growth is exciting. It’s also… a little scary.

You’ve gotten this far by doing a lot with a little—scrappy, resourceful, mission-driven. But now your programs are expanding, your community’s needs are growing, and your team might be maxed out. It’s time to take a step back and plan with purpose.

Here’s the good news: strategic planning doesn’t have to be a months-long, jargon-filled process that ends with a 50-page document no one reads. For small nonprofits, it can be a clarifying, energizing opportunity to reconnect with your mission, engage your team, and make decisions rooted in your values and capacity.

Here’s how to start…

In the hustle of running a small nonprofit, donor stewardship often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. With limited staff, time, and resources, it's easy to feel like you can’t do more than send a year-end thank you or a tax receipt.

But here’s the truth: meaningful stewardship doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, small teams are uniquely positioned to build genuine, trust-based relationships with supporters. With a few intentional tweaks, you can scale stewardship in ways that feel authentic—without burning out your team.

Here are five simple, scalable ways to do it: