

Earlier this month, I helped organize 20 local civic consultants to gather at Providence Public Library to meet and discuss shared insights. It was a surprising delight to see the diversity of backgrounds, expertise, and business types represented. These smart, dedicated people are working on improving educational outcomes, environmental policy, local business viability, healthy neighborhoods,…

2025 was a difficult year for many communities, especially for cities and for our local environment. But I am grateful for the commitment that so many people are demonstrating to make their community a healthier more equitable place. Here is to 2026 where I expect our nonprofit friends to not only survive but to thrive.

So you’ve decided to create a culture of philanthropy. Now what? Obviously, the first step (agreeing to have a culture of philanthropy) is critical. But what does a culture of philanthropy even look like? 2025 saw sudden and unexpected withdrawals of critical federal funds from nonprofits of all kinds and sizes. In response, nonprofit organizations…

The board of directors plays a critical role in the creation, growth, and stability of every organization. But unlike for-profit corporate boards which respond strictly to financial incentives, the board of directors of a nonprofit organization must consider both finances and impact. This is the governance balancing act that boards and staff must manage. There…

Scenario planning is central to emergency management, insurance, and military operations. Should scenario planning be a part of your nonprofit planning cycle and minimize shocks to your nonprofit organizations? United States national elections often portend big shifts in multi-billion dollar spending priorities. The 2024 election means that Federal support for many community, urban, environmental, educational,…