{"id":35253,"date":"2025-02-03T15:12:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T19:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/?p=35253"},"modified":"2025-08-19T16:48:28","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T20:48:28","slug":"10-nonprofit-leadership-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/fundraising-software\/10-nonprofit-leadership-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Nonprofit Leadership Tips for 2025 from Joan Garry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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As nonprofit leaders and professionals enter 2025, regular analysis and adaptation are more critical than ever. That\u2019s why our partnership with nonprofit leadership expert Joan Garry, founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab<\/a>, comes at a perfect time, as she offers her invaluable advice to help you navigate shifts and fundraise effectively.<\/p>\n

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\u201cAs a trusted advisor to nonprofit leaders, I\u2019m thrilled to partner with DonorPerfect. Their team understands the challenges fundraisers face and their software provides the support nonprofits need to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2013 Joan Garry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Like DonorPerfect, Joan started in 1981. For decades, she has focused on empowering nonprofit superheroes with unwavering support for their day-to-day operations, fundraising campaign strategies, and personal career development. Like Joan, DonorPerfect is not only a nonprofit resource, but also a safety net. Our employee-owned team has experience in professional fundraising roles, allowing us to truly understand today\u2019s nonprofit challenges to support you and your mission every step of the way.<\/p>\n

From staying informed to strengthening your leadership, here are 10 actionable strategies inspired by Joan Garry to propel your nonprofit in the year ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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1. Set alerts to stay informed<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with a quick and easy one! You can create Google alerts<\/a> to follow topics related to your mission and work. Some organizations use this tool to track their appearances in the press, but Joan encourages fundraisers to think bigger. For example, you can track policy rulings affecting your mission or its beneficiaries.<\/p>\n

Joan recommends setting up an alert for HR 9495<\/a>\u2014legislation allowing the Secretary of the Treasury to designate 501(c) nonprofits as \u201cterrorist supporting organizations,\u201d at their discretion and without full evidence or reasoning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the lighter side, you can set up alerts to inform you of national giving days<\/a> and identify key opportunities to engage your donors. Your donors trust you as a source of timely information related to your mission, and keeping them in the loop<\/a> helps you build loyalty. Possibilities range from organizing an event based on a national giving day to scheduling appreciation emails<\/a> for National Volunteer Week.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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2. Subscribe to a nonprofit publication<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Another quick and easy one! To be a well-rounded asset to your nonprofit team, Joan emphasizes the importance of staying connected with the nonprofit sector as a whole, rather than staying inside your mission \u201cbubble.\u201d Subscribing to a nonprofit publication keeps you updated on the latest news and research and helps you fine-tune your fundraising strategy and make more informed decisions.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of your time is spent in the organizational bubble, right? And when you can, you spend time in your sector bubble \u2014 you connect with colleagues in your community or in your sector. And \u2018when you can\u2019 often means \u2018so not often enough.\u2019 As we head into the new unchartered territory and potentially turbulent waters of a new administration in Washington, you as a nonprofit leader will need to spend real time outside your organizational bubble.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some of our favorite sources include the Chronicle of Philanthropy<\/a>, the Association of Fundraising Professionals<\/a>, and GivingTuesday<\/a>. We\u2019re also lucky to live in a time with so many fantastic fundraising podcasts. Joan\u2019s is called Nonprofits Are Messy<\/a>, answering the most pressing questions faced by nonprofit leaders around the world.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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3. Revisit or update your SWOT analysis<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a powerful tool for assessing your nonprofit\u2019s current position. You can use this analysis to identify areas for growth, anticipate challenges, and align your fundraising goals with your mission, staff, volunteers, and board members. The best practice is to regularly revisit your SWOT analysis (at least quarterly) to ensure your strategies remain relevant and effective.<\/p>\n

Specifically, Joan recommends developing a deep understanding of the key relationship between your board and leadership<\/a>\u2014the factor that tells you more about the health of your nonprofit<\/a> than any other. Your SWOT analysis will help you evaluate these internal dynamics and identify areas where alignment or improvement is needed to achieve strategic goals. Pairing this with regular succession planning ensures your organization is equipped with a leadership pipeline to sustain long-term success.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo this [SWOT] exercise with a subset of the board and staff in the first quarter in light of what you are learning about possible IRS changes and possible legislative changes, in order to tighten up challenging areas and look at how you can lean into your strengths.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

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4. Invest in your ability to lead<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s no secret that great work starts with strong leadership. Even if you\u2019re in an entry-level role at your nonprofit right now, it\u2019s never too early to start prioritizing your personal and professional development. It empowers you to be the best fundraiser you can be.<\/p>\n

Tracking your proudest moments\u2014like exceeding donor retention goals or securing a major gift\u2014helps build confidence in your leadership. Plus, personal development doesn\u2019t have to strain your budget. You can explore free resources like webinars, nonprofit leadership guides, and online courses to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of fundraising trends.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Consider a resource that helps you reflect on your strengths:<\/h3>\n