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Kari's Confessions

Written by: Kari Anderson
  • Summary

  • Serving the nonprofit sector is a privilege. Leading a nonprofit organization is, (in my opinion), one of life’s greatest joys. And one of life’s greatest sources of heartburn. Where else can you both provide a critical service to your community and fill a key need in your market? While, simultaneously, be asked to work miracles on a shoestring budget and perform the roles of CEO and chief bottle washer. Leading a nonprofit is fulfilling, satisfying and more. It’s also lonely and isolating. Many leaders come into the role with limited onboarding, marginal orientation, and no manual to refer to as to “how to do the work”. You’re charged with leading this important organization, and not sure whom you can talk to when you need a an “offline” ear, or where to turn to ask for help. Join me, Kari Anderson, as I share my take on the nonprofit sector. In my 20+ years serving as a nonprofit Executive Director, I saw just about everything, and didn’t think I could be surprised. From bad board behavior to fundraising successes, well-meaning donors to entitled staff, no-show volunteers to successful community partnerships…I’ve got a story to tell! I love our sector – the “third” sector. I want to create a space where you feel welcome. Where you can breathe. A place where you can laugh and see yourself continuing this good work. Consider our time together a recipe comprised of the following ingredients: one part story, one part therapy, one part self-help and one part kick in the pants!
    2023
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Episodes
  • Building a Financially Sound Nonprofit: Insights
    Apr 21 2024

    In this episode of “Kari's Confessions,” Kari Anderson, a nonprofit executive and founder of Incite! Consulting, shares her wealth of knowledge gained from 25 years in nonprofit leadership to help other nonprofit executives enhance their financial management skills. This episode focuses on the pivotal theme of financial readiness, which Kari describes as the backbone of organizational growth and sustainability. She outlines the elements of a comprehensive financial readiness assessment, stressing the importance of budgets that reflect an organization's mission and priorities. Kari also discusses the prerequisites for securing and effectively using grant funding, emphasizing the need for solid internal foundations and diverse funding streams to attract confident grantors. She also tackles the topic of cost management, encouraging nonprofits to conduct thorough cost analyses to ensure they're maximizing their financial resources for greater impact. This episode is an invaluable resource for nonprofit leaders looking to deepen their financial understanding and drive their organizations toward long-term success.

    Key Episode Takeaways:

    • Understanding Financial Readiness: Learn what encompasses a financial readiness assessment and why it’s crucial for your organization's growth.
    • Grant Application Foundations: Discover key insights on preparing your nonprofit to apply for and manage grant funding effectively.
    • Cost Management Analysis: Kari discusses the importance of thorough cost analysis in nonprofit operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently for maximum impact.

    Enhance your team's performance and growth. Visit Incite! Consulting's website for resources on crafting effective performance reviews, and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights into nonprofit leadership.

    Want to share your experiences, challenges, and questions with us? You can visit through our website, https://inciteconsultinggroup.com, or by emailing Kari@InciteConsultingGroup.com

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    12 mins
  • Elevating Your Board: A Guide to Greater Commitment and Impact
    Apr 7 2024

    In this episode of “Kari's Confessions,” Kari Anderson, a nonprofit executive and founder of Incite! Consulting, shares the essentials of assembling and nurturing an engaged nonprofit board. She brings her 25 years of expertise to the forefront, offering a detailed roadmap for nonprofit leaders. From the initial steps of board recruitment to fostering deep connections through board retreats and recognition, Kari lays out the foundation for a robust board dynamic. Learn how clear communication, respect for time, and celebrating milestones can transform your board into a cohesive and motivated team. This episode is perfect for any leader looking to elevate their nonprofit's governance and create an atmosphere of active participation and shared success.

    Key Episode Takeaways:

    • Importance of transparency and honesty during the board recruitment process.
    • Creating a comprehensive and engaging board orientation.
    • Respecting board members' time and preferences in communication.
    • The significance of regular one-on-one meetings with board members.
    • Organizing social events and annual retreats to foster team spirit.
    • Communicating clear outcomes and celebrating organizational wins.
    • Exploring the use of board management software for efficiency.
    • Conducting annual board self-assessments for continuous improvement.
    • The role of board committees in maintaining engagement and focus.

    Enhance your team's performance and growth. Visit Incite! Consulting's website for resources on crafting effective performance reviews, and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights into nonprofit leadership.

    Want to share your experiences, challenges, and questions with us? You can visit through our website, https://inciteconsultinggroup.com, or by emailing Kari@InciteConsultingGroup.com

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    14 mins
  • Boardroom Blues: Turning Nonprofit Board Challenges into Wins
    Mar 24 2024

    In this episode of “Kari's Confessions,” Kari Anderson, a nonprofit executive and founder of Incite! Consulting, dives deep into the challenging waters of navigating poor nonprofit board behavior. With her extensive 25-year experience in the nonprofit sector, Kari sheds light on the common pitfalls and disruptive behaviors that board members can exhibit, from absenteeism to conflict avoidance. More importantly, she offers practical advice and actionable strategies for nonprofit leaders, particularly executive directors and board chairs, to address and mitigate these issues. By exploring the root causes of such behavior and introducing methods for fostering a positive and productive board culture, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their nonprofit organization's leadership and governance.

    Key Episode Takeaways:

    • Identifying common poor behaviors in nonprofit boards, such as lack of participation and confrontational attitudes.
    • Understanding the root causes behind such behaviors, including inadequate orientation and unclear expectations.
    • Strategies for addressing and correcting poor board behavior, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, proper orientation, and setting clear expectations.
    • The role of executive directors and board chairs in leading and counseling the board towards positive engagement and productivity.
    • Tips for facilitating tough conversations and building authentic relationships with board members to prevent and address issues proactively.

    Enhance your team's performance and growth. Visit Incite! Consulting's website for resources on crafting effective performance reviews, and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more valuable insights into nonprofit leadership.

    Want to share your experiences, challenges, and questions with us? You can visit through our website, https://inciteconsultinggroup.com, or by emailing Kari@InciteConsultingGroup.com

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    11 mins

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