In September, Spokes hosted its first Operations Officer Roundtable, spotlighting Financial Clarity in Uncertain Times. Attendees heard from Erin Hoffman of Collaboration Business Consulting, who shared practical tips for staying resilient—like diversifying income, tracking key numbers, and keeping your team and board aligned.
Access her handout here, and watch for details on our next Operations Officer Roundtable, happening January 2026.
Here at Spokes, we often hear from nonprofits that one of their biggest challenges is finding and recruiting new board members. This article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy shares six practical steps to strengthen your recruitment prcess—from setting clear expectations, prioritizing mission passion, expanding what “fundraising experience” really means, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Read more HERE.
Nonprofits are no stranger to tight budgets, and in today’s climate, every dollar counts even more. But offering competitive healthcare benefits is key to reducing burnout and improving staff retention. This article explores practical, cost-conscious strategies for making health coverage more accessible.
Read the article HERE.
While many nonprofits are working hard to make ends meet, some are fortunate to have built up a surplus or reserve—and with that comes the opportunity to invest in ways that can support and even grow their mission. However, traditional investment strategies don’t always align with a nonprofit’s values or purpose. That’s why we recently hosted a class on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, led by our friends at Blue Marble Investments. They shared how mission-aligned and sustainable investment options—such as fossil fuel–free portfolios—can perform on par with traditional investments while staying true to your organization’s ethics.
Check out a recording of the presentation here.
Did you know there are more than 1,500 charitable nonprofit organizations in San Luis Obispo County? By law, each of them must be governed by a board of directors.
Serving as a director on a nonprofit board offers valuable benefits to both you and your community. You’ll develop leadership skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact on a cause you care about. Your volunteer service ensures the organization stays mission-focused and effective, supporting positive change and enhancing the quality of life in your community.
In the video below, Spokes CEO Michael Simkins addresses members of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, sharing deeper insights into the benefits of nonprofit board service—and why it’s a valuable opportunity for everyone. He emphasizes the importance of local employers supporting and encouraging employee involvement, highlighting the transferable skills employees gain and bring back to the workplace.
Interested in serving on a nonprofit board but unsure about the responsibilities and level of commitment involved? Spokes offers a free, live 45-minute online class—Board Service 101—quarterly.
Register for an upcoming live session:
Or, view the following recording of a past Board Service 101 class:
Guiding nonprofits to achieve their goals through support and expert resources.
Spokes welcomes local professionals who would like to share their expertise in support of the nonprofit sector.
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