nonprofit Archives - Spokes | Resources for Nonprofits

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.

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.

Worker Self-Directed Nonprofits

December 17, 2023 by Michael Simkins

Someone recently contacted Spokes to say, “I’m thinking of starting a worker self-directed nonprofit. Can Spokes help me?”

A worker self-directed nonprofit? I’d never heard the term. I know about public benefit nonprofits, mutual benefit nonprofits, and benefit corporations, but this inquiry required some research!

The Sustainable Economies Law Center describes a self-directed nonprofit as a sort of cross between a worker cooperative and a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Specifically, it defines a worker self-directed nonprofit as,

a nonprofit organization in which all workers have the power to influence the programs in which they work, the conditions of their workplace, their own career paths, and the direction of the organization as a whole.

In general, a worker cooperative is “democratically managed business that is owned and controlled by the workers.” California corporation code has specific provisions for the formation of a for-profit worker cooperative. California code also has specific, separate provisions for incorporating as a nonprofit. As far as I have learned, California code does not include explicit provisions for something called a worker self-directed nonprofit.

I have lots more to learn on this subject, but it’s intriguing to think about how one might structure a nonprofit within California’s current code that might mimic or embody key features of a worker cooperative such as election of the board of directors. More to come on this topic, but in the meantime, check out these resources:

Executive Committee Membership

March 9, 2023 by Michael Simkins

Can someone be on the executive committee who is not a member of the board of directors?

It’s an interesting question. The short answer is, “Perhaps, but probably not.” As can so often be the case, it depends on the situation. Here are things to consider.

Look at your bylaws

A great place to start is to read your bylaws. What do they say about committees? Do they specify that there is an executive committee? Do they say who should be on it? Do they say what the executive committee is supposed to do?

For example, I recently was helping an organization whose bylaws said nothing about an executive committee, but they did include a provision that the board could establish committees by resolution, and that “all committees have the full authority of the board” (italics mine).

Board committees

The next thing to consider is the type of committee. There are two types—board committees and non-board committees. With a few exceptions, the board may delegate authority to board committees. According to California law, all members of board committees must be directors.

On the other hand, membership on non-board committees is not restricted to directors. These committees, also called advisory committees, can serve a variety of purposes. As that name implies, they can provide counsel to the board. The board might also assign various tasks and responsibilities to them. For instance, a non-board committee might develop fundraising plans or be responsible for volunteer training. Because non-board committees have no legal authority to act in place of the full board, anyone may be a member. Non-board committees are often used as a way to engage additional people in the work of the organization.

Returning to the example above, since the organization’s bylaws clearly state, “all committees have the full authority of the board,” any committee established in the organization would be a board committee. Only board committees can make decisions on behalf of the organization, and all members of board committees must be directors.

So, what’s the answer?

If the board has delegated authority to the executive committee, then all members of the executive committee must be directors. Certainly, others might be invited to attend executive committee meetings and/or provide input, but such people are not members of the committee and do not have a vote on motions or decisions. Theoretically, a non-director could be a member of the Executive Committee, but only if the Executive Committee was given no authority to act. In such circumstances, that executive committee would, in fact, be an advisory committee. And what would be the sense in that?

And don’t forget…

State law trumps your bylaws. If your bylaws include any language that suggests non-directors can be members of your board committees, it’s time to revise your bylaws.

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