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.
Setting CEO/ED Compensation: What Boards Should Know for 2026
Every year, nonprofit boards face the responsibility of reviewing the salary of their CEO or Executive Director. A thoughtful approach ensures fairness, compliance, and organizational sustainability. Spokes’ new guidance sheet highlights six essentials for boards: staying compliant with IRS rules, reviewing market data, assessing organizational health, evaluating leadership performance, supporting retention, and using a clear, documented process.
To complement this, we’ve prepared a companion snapshot of regional inflation and San Luis Obispo County cost-of-living data. With CPI currently around 3% and local housing costs more than double the national average, boards have the context they need to consider reasonable cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Together, these resources give boards a transparent, data-driven framework for making confident salary decisions.
Download the full 2-page guidance sheet here.
Spokes members also have access to a regional compensation survey. Log into your Spokes account to request access.
Can You Really Offer Benefits on a Budget?
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.
The Value of Nonprofit Board Service
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:
Spokes on Congalton
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.
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