The idea behind “open data” is that accessible data promotes government transparency, civic engagement, and the ability of community members to create solutions to problems within their communities. In this way, open data can be a rich resource for nonprofits. MORE
Have you ever exchanged business cards with a new contact at a networking event only to never hear from them again? This often happens when both people interact solely with the mindset of “how can this person help me?” MORE
Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP) is a nonprofit with more than 6,000 members and is one of the Philadelphia’s leading organizations for young people. YIP strives to make Philadelphia the premier city for the next generation of young leaders by engaging, connecting and representing the young demographic (roughly 22 – 35, but all are welcome) through several different platforms. Recently Fairmount spoke with Kelly Cofrancisco, Programming Chair of Young Involved Philadelphia, about why YIP has developed such a strong community and advice for nonprofits seeking to do the same.
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This year the first day of autumn will be September 23, 2015. That means we still have two months of summer left! Below is a late-summer reading list plucked from the minds and shelves of Fairmount Ventures staff. All are good choices for the beach, the pool or the porch. Enjoy! MORE
Now more than ever, nonprofits need to partner with different communities to combat social problems.
In the past, it was common for nonprofits to solve problems for communities instead of solving problems with communities. But, current research shows that the quickest and most comprehensive way to approach social issues is to engage a range of stakeholders, infusing their input into the problem-solving process. MORE
“Summertime slide” is the term that describes what occurs when young students don’t read during the summer months while they’re not in school. These kids lose up to three months of reading achievement and begin to fall behind their peers. Lest you fall into your own summertime slide as you enjoy Philadelphia’s rich cultural scene, pop-up gardens, and attractions, Fairmount has curated a list of reading resources that can help keep you engaged and up-to-date: MORE
When nonprofits discuss their work and the people they serve, the word “community” is frequently used.
Exploring the concept of community within the context of different nonprofits, their causes, and their audiences may reveal ways to better understand and support their respective missions. But where does this process begin?
Many nonprofit organizations operate board meetings, but not as many do so effectively. With our experience facilitating hundreds of board engagements, we have identified the components necessary for most board meetings to become more productive and more relevant to the short-term and long-term goals of the organization. MORE
A recent Stanford study reports, “Over a quarter (27 percent) of directors do not believe their fellow board members have a strong understanding of the mission and strategy of the organization.” Our experience supports these findings pointing to organizations lacking the infrastructure and resources needed to train, set goals, and evaluate what their boards need in order to be effective. MORE
Transition events – moments like starting a new job, moving to a new city, ending a relationship – present opportunities to reflect and identify new goals worth fulfilling. Nonprofits experience many transition events, with perhaps none more significant than the arrival of a new executive director. Smart nonprofits will recognize this change as a chance for the board and new executive director to reevaluate aspects of the organization and its programs that can be improved. MORE