For Executive Directors Archives - Spokes

Leadership Change Is Inevitable, Preparation Is Optional

May 14, 2026 by Jordan Jerkovich

Last week at our in-person ED/CEO Roundtable, nonprofit leaders gathered to discuss one of the most important — and often avoided — organizational topics: succession planning.

Whether an executive director abruptly leaves because they “won the lottery” (preferred by most participants!), gets “hit by a bus” (much less preferred) or simply retires, organizations that have a plan in place are far better positioned to maintain stability and confidence during change.

One valuable area of discussion centered around interim executive directors and the important role they can play during periods of transition. Published the same week as our session was a timely article from Blue Avocado outlining key considerations and best practices for bringing in interim leadership during a nonprofit transition.

Read the article.

Effectively Communicating Impact

March 19, 2026 by Jordan Jerkovich

In an increasingly competitive grants landscape, we’ve been thinking a lot about how nonprofits can effectively communicate their impact. In fact, we’re excited to collaborate with Carsel Consulting Group to offer an upcoming workshop, Using Data to Strengthen Your Story for Funders, on May 20—save the date!

We’ve also been following Blue Avocado, where they recently polled readers on how they communicate impact. Responses ranged from data dashboards and formal reports to storytelling that centers real experiences.

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.

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.

Nonprofit Storytelling

February 7, 2025 by Jordan Jerkovich

In our recent Board Academy session focused on Fundraising and Resource Development, we discussed the importance of storytelling. To create a lasting emotional connection with the general public, media and donors, your board of directors––and actually every member of your organization––should be prepared to tell their own impactful story as it relates to your organization’s mission.

Given recent executive actions affecting nonprofits, storytelling to donors, media and Congress is increasingly critical. You need to be able to effectively communicate why your organization is important, and what would happen if it wasn’t here?

Here are some components of effective nonprofit storytelling from ChatGPT:

1. A Relatable Protagonist

Focus on a real person, group, or community that has benefited from your work.
The protagonist should be someone your audience can empathize with.

2. A Compelling Challenge

Highlight the struggle or problem the protagonist faced before your nonprofit stepped in.
Make the challenge specific, urgent, and emotionally resonant.

3. A Clear Resolution (Impact of Your Work)

Show how your nonprofit’s intervention made a difference.
Use concrete details, data, and personal testimonials to illustrate success.

4. Emotional Connection

Use emotions like hope, joy, or perseverance to engage your audience.
Show, don’t just tell—use vivid descriptions, quotes, and imagery.

5. A Call to Action (CTA)

Inspire your audience to take action (donate, volunteer, share the story, etc.).
Make the CTA clear, direct, and easy to follow.

6. Authenticity and Transparency

Stay true to the story and avoid exaggeration or manipulation.
If using real individuals, obtain permission and respect their privacy.

7. Multi-Channel Delivery

Use visuals, videos, and testimonials to enhance engagement.
Adapt your story for different platforms (social media, website, email, video, etc.).

Check out this Forbes article for more storytelling tips and tools. If you’re looking to invest in your storytelling abilities, the annual Nonprofit Storytelling Conference is a great resource.