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Can You Really Offer Benefits on a Budget?

July 27, 2025 by Jordan Jerkovich

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.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant being discontinued

July 9, 2025 by Michael Simkins

Does your nonprofit currently enjoy a Microsoft 365 Business Premium grant? If so, not for long. The company announced this program will expire September 1, 2025.

Capital Campaign Pro’s Steven Shattuck has written a concise blog post that outlines the changes and suggests some alternatives. It also has a link to join an effort to convince Microsoft to reverse course.

Techsoup has current information on what nonprofit discounts will still be available if you qualify and want to continue your use of Microsoft 365.

  • Microsoft’s announcement (PDF download)
  • Steven Shattuck’s post
  • Techsoup Microsoft offers

Mission-Aligned Money Management

May 30, 2025 by Jordan Jerkovich

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.

The Value of Nonprofit Board Service

April 16, 2025 by Jordan Jerkovich

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:

June 10

September 9

December 9

Or, view the following recording of a past Board Service 101 class:

Spokes on Congalton

March 11, 2025 by Michael Simkins

Monday, March 10, 2025 Spokes CEO Michael Simkins and Spokes board member Liz Summer were interviewed by Dave Congalton on his KVEC show, Hometown Radio. Take a listen.

KVEC radio logo

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DISCLAIMER: Spokes offers informed advice and recommendations, not professional counsel. Blog content is current as of the date shown. Individual posts are not necessarily updated, so please confirm the accuracy of the information, especially of older posts.

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Member Testimonial

As Spokes members since 2020, our organization experienced firsthand the invaluable support and resources Spoke’s provides. From director round tables to workshops, even during the challenges of COVID-19, Spokes and their team has remained steadfast in its commitment to nurturing and empowering non-profits like ours. We are incredibly grateful for their unwavering dedication, which has been instrumental in our sustainability and growth. Thank you, Spokes, for being an essential partner on our journey.

Zabrina Cox
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Central Coast Childbirth Network

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