Free Nonprofit Tools and Resources
to Boost Your Impact
Check out this collection of free resources for planning, fundraising, executive director leadership, and nonprofit boards. Enjoy!
Nonprofits have a unique set of challenges, ranging from administrative, fundraising, board, and human resources. My job is to help you overcome these challenges so you can move forward to achieve your goals.
Explore the free tools and resources provided here to get started and keep moving forward!
“Thank you, Sean and Holly - my charity is celebrating our 10-year anniversary by starting the process of re-structuring our Board, so we'll be signing up for Sean's program!”
Victoria Carson | Fund For Horses
Leadership & Executive Tools
Ultimate Executive Director Toolkit (7 Great Tools)
Grab this handy kit for nonprofit executive directors. These 7 free tools can be put to immediate use in your nonprofit. Click here.
18-Month Planning Template
Sometimes you need a little color to brighten your planning process. This 18-month planning template in MS word can serve as a dashboard for your organization. Feel free to edit as you like. Click here
Nonprofit Storytelling Infographic
The key to engaging the public, including donors, is to be effective at telling your organizational story and the stories of those you serve. This infographic gives a high-level view of how it works. Click here.
12 Things White Nonprofit Leaders Can Do Now for Diversity
Diversity is essential for a high-performing nonprofit organization. Don’t just talk the talk. Here are 12 simple things white leaders can do now to promote authentic diversity.
How to Create a Unique Value Proposition for Nonprofits
To stand out in your communications and fundraising, a Unique Value Proposition Statement adds focus, clarity, and impact.
How to Handle Tough Questions From the Media
Misquotes are mostly our own fault. Here’s a way to anticipate and avoid accidentally saying things that may hurt your organization when speaking with the media.
How to Utilize Your Board of Advisors
Many organizations have a board of advisors, but most are underutilized. Here is a list of creative ways to engage these allies in the work of your organization.
How People Move Up the Ladder of Engagement - Infographic
Nonprofits should always be on the lookout for new leaders. Sometimes people increase their involvement on their own, but sophisticated organizations spot these potential assets, helping them to get on board and share their gifts.
Get in Your Lane Infographic
High functioning nonprofits have a clear division of labor. This “Get in Your Lane” Infographic helps board members, staff and the executive director get clarity on who does what in a nonprofit.
Infographic: 10 Top Responsibilities of a Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit Executive Directors have a lot of responsibilities. This infographic is a snapshot of the major areas. For more details on each area, contact us or consider taking our Executive Director Boot Camp online course.
Sample Sabbatical Policy
Nonprofit organizations should strongly consider allowing workers to qualify for a sabbatical. It’s not just for professors! Allowing workers to take an extended break, when they have worked hard for the organization, sends a signal you value your employees.
How to Hire a Development Director: Use this Matrix
Do you know what competencies to look for in hiring a development director? Do you know how to weigh each of the most essential criteria? Do you want to sort through various candidates’ presentations to make a logical decision about whom to hire to most benefit your organization?
How to Start a Nonprofit
Want to know how to create a new nonprofit organization? Start here. This step-by-step guide walks you right through it.
One of the hardest decisions for an executive director is determining when you’ve completed your work with a particular nonprofit and it’s time to move on. Download this two-page review of the things to consider when facing this decision.
When Should an Executive Director Leave?
Using the “Is/Is Not” chart can be helpful for building alignment, consensus, and making tough choices. Whenever you are creating a new role, program, or event, it may be helpful to get clear what something is, and what it is not. Use this to get alignment on new projects or old ones you are considering abandoning.
Is/Is Not Chart (Planning tool to get alignment)
Executive Directors contribute a lot of work that isn’t captured in grant reports or annual reports. Keep track of all you have done and use it for your annual review, or when you exit a nonprofit. It’s powerful
Keep an Executive Director Success Journal
Looking for More?
Check out my online courses, or reach out to discuss custom training, coaching and consulting services!
