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How Long Should an Executive Director Stay?

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For longtime nonprofit leaders, the thought of stepping away can raise some uncomfortable questions: Who will care about the mission as much as I do? Who knows what I know? And who is truly equipped to take the reins?

One exercise worth considering: Look at the three biggest things you worked on this year and label each one “defending” or “building.” How much of your energy is going toward protecting what already exists, and how much is focused on preparing your organization for what comes next?

It’s a simple exercise from a recent Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits article, “How Long Should an Executive Stay in the Job?” The author explores how longtime leaders can naturally become more focused on protecting what they’ve built and raises some thought-provoking questions about leadership longevity and preparing an organization for its next chapter.

Read the article here.

Fundraisers and Tax Reporting

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Fundraising events can be valuable opportunities to raise funds, engage supporters, and build community around your mission. But behind the scenes, these events can also create tax and reporting responsibilities that are important for nonprofits to understand.

We came across a recent article from Hood & Strong, which offers a helpful overview of some of the financial and tax issues organizations should keep on their radar when planning and reporting on fundraising events.

Many of these considerations are easier to address before an event takes place rather than when it’s time to prepare your Form 990. Establishing a process for collecting the right information can help your organization stay organized, communicate clearly with supporters, and make year-end reporting less complicated.

The article covers several key considerations, including:

  • Financial reporting vs. tax reporting: How fundraising event revenue and expenses may be treated differently for financial statement and tax purposes.
  • Form 990 and Schedule G: When fundraising activities may require additional reporting and more detailed tracking of event income and expenses.
  • In-kind donations: How donated services, facilities, volunteer time, and goods can receive different treatment under GAAP and IRS rules.
  • Donor deductions: Why the full cost of an event ticket may not be tax-deductible when attendees receive meals, entertainment, merchandise, or other benefits in return.
  • Donor disclosures: When nonprofits may need to provide participants with information about the fair market value of the benefits they receive.
  • Recordkeeping: The importance of tracking event revenue, expenses, donated goods, and attendee benefits so that information is readily available when it’s time to prepare tax filings.

Read the full article from Hood & Strong here.

Does Your Nonprofit Have the Right Policies in Place?

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Organizational policies—and the updates they require—can easily fall to the bottom of an overworked nonprofit’s to-do list. It’s the kind of paperwork no one ever feels like tackling. But when an unexpected leadership transition, challenging personnel matter, or board conflict arises, clear and current policies are essential.

Outdated or missing policies can expose your nonprofit to unnecessary financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Check out this helpful article from NonProfitPRO to learn which policies and documentation can help safeguard your organization. It even includes a comprehensive checklist to help you identify gaps and prioritize the policies your nonprofit needs most.

Remember: Your board policies can evolve as your organization grows, and you don’t need to tackle everything at once. Start with the most important policies and build from there.

Board Conflict Happens. Are You Prepared to Handle it?

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A key message we emphasized in our recent Board Officer Training was this: once the board has made a decision, the board should speak with one voice. Healthy debate and differing viewpoints are essential to good governance, but once a vote is complete, board members have a responsibility to support the board’s decision publicly—even if they voted differently.

It’s not always easy, which is why we’re sharing this recent Blue Avocado article on navigating board conflict and fostering productive disagreement. It features a compilation of some of the best insights submitted by nonprofit leaders who have navigated these challenges firsthand, offering practical perspectives for boards striving to govern more effectively.

Read the article HERE.

At Spokes, we’re committed to helping nonprofit boards and leaders build these skills before challenges arise. Through our annual Board Academy, Board Officer Training, and customized on-site board training and consulting, we equip directors and officers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to fulfill their roles and practice strong, effective governance.

America Gives: Help Make 2026 the Biggest Year of Volunteer Service in U.S. History

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As part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the official America250 initiative has launched America Gives, a nationwide effort to make 2026 the largest year of volunteer service in American history.

Nonprofits are encouraged to participate by inviting people to volunteer, celebrating their service, and sharing the difference volunteers make in their communities. Whether your organization relies on volunteers every day or is looking for new ways to engage community members, America Gives offers a unique opportunity to strengthen civic engagement while highlighting the vital role nonprofits play across the country.

Together, we can help create a lasting legacy of service that extends well beyond America’s 250th birthday!

Learn more HERE.

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