Purposeful Perspectives
Sharing stories, insights and strategies that educate and inspire.
Our “Purposeful Perspectives” blog is where we celebrate our team and clients, share insights related to news within the nonprofit sector, and provide expertise about leadership and all things that matter to nonprofit leaders.
Reimagining Events: Fresh Ideas That Inspire and Engage for 2025
Fundraising events are vital to nonprofit success, serving as key drivers of revenue and community connection. As we step into a brand-new year, it's the perfect time to reimagine your approach and make your events stand out in a world of short attention spans and fierce competition for donor dollars.
We are Hiring!
Cloud 9 is growing and seeking our next powerhouse team member. We are looking for an office manager who can help provide essential support for our team of nonprofit advisors. This role is perfect for a versatile individual who can manage multiple priorities and enjoys a dynamic working environment.
Collaboration is King: Break Down Silos to Increase Your Impact
Collaboration and organizing ourselves into hierarchies and bureaucracies are concepts as old as humans. However, nonprofit organizations often fall into the trap of operating in silos and developing the mindset of “I alone can fix this.”
My Heart is in Those Mountains
One month ago, Hurricane Helene unleashed unimaginable devastation along the East Coast. In its wake, North Carolina faced the worst natural disaster in its history. Yet, amid the heartbreak, humanity's resilience and generosity shine brightly for all to see. Our co-founder, Jessica Munday, has been at the forefront of recovery efforts and shares her "why" in this month's blog.
IRS Guidelines: How Nonprofits Can Navigate and Thrive in Advocacy
In the ever-evolving landscape of human services and social safety nets, nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in driving social change, addressing inequities, and advocating for vulnerable communities.
Embracing Our Purpose: Bringing Salt and Flavor to Our Communities
The concept of being the "salt of the earth" is powerful. Salt, in its essence, preserves, enhances and brings flavor. But if it loses its flavor, it loses its purpose. This metaphor beautifully encapsulates our role in the nonprofit sector.
Fostering Appreciation in Nonprofits
By providing clear guidelines and expectations, nonprofits can help their volunteers feel more confident and empowered in their work. This approach enhances the volunteer experience and ensures that the organization can achieve its mission more effectively.
Defining Roles for Volunteers and Why It Matters
Nonprofits are the safety nets of our communities—weaving the protections that support our most vulnerable. Organizations are asked to solve complex systemic issues requiring time, capacity, and resources.
Being Fully Present and Appreciating the Past Are Key to Mindfulness
Last year, my business partner stepped away from the daily grind to participate in a mission trip in the Bahamas. She returned with a profound new perspective: “Be where your feet are.”
Wave of Change: MacKenzie Scott’s ‘Yield Giving’ Campaign and Its $640 Million Impact
Giving back to the community isn’t just a statement for MacKenzie Scott—it’s a commitment she’s wholeheartedly embraced.
How to Maximize Your Nonprofit’s Strategic Plan: A Guide for Broader Impact
A strategic plan’s potential extends far beyond the confines of a report that stays within an organization’s walls. When leveraged effectively, it can become a powerful tool for engaging supporters, fostering partnerships, and influencing public policy.
Top 3 Best Practices in Fundraising
What constitutes effective fundraising practices? The answer can vary among nonprofit organizations, and strategies can include soliciting donations, volunteer outreach, or selecting the optimal fundraising tools.
Turning Scrolls Into Goals: How Nonprofits are Using TikTok for a Cause
As the fundraising landscape evolves, nonprofits are searching for fresh and engaging ways to drum up support. Enter social media: a powerhouse for boosting visibility and rallying support for charitable causes. TikTok has emerged as a beloved favorite among these digital giants, especially among the Gen Z and Millennial crowds.
Notable Nonprofit Sector Stories in 2023 From Around the Globe
The year 2023 has been a remarkable period for the nonprofit sector, with organizations around the globe making significant strides in various fields. Here are 9 stories that stood out for their innovation, impact and inspiration.
Building Effective, Healthy Nonprofit Boards
Are you wanting to elevate your nonprofit to new heights? Have you had the same board members for years? Do personal agendas overshadow the organization’s mission? It may be time to take a look at the composition of your board to make sure you follow the guiding principles and best practices.
Sustainable Growth: Strengthening Nonprofits Through Strategic Investment
In the world of nonprofits, pursuing financial sustainability should take center stage as an essential driver for long-term success. While the term ‘strategic investment’ may initially seem at odds with the altruistic mission of these organizations, a shift in perspective reveals that a focus on strategic investment in operations, staff, and research and evaluation is paramount for the organization’s longevity and impactful contributions to the communities they serve.
8 Reasons Why Guiding Principles and Best Practices Matter
If systems set you free, following guiding principles and best practices gives you the framework and guardrails to operate so you can get those systems in place. This framework reduces ambiguity and increases efficiency, allowing leaders to focus on strategic objectives rather than getting bogged down by day-to-day uncertainties.
Ethical Excellence in Nonprofit Fundraising
In today’s multifaceted world, I often remind our clients that a guiding principle must be following their North Star. It’s the unwavering beacon that steers individuals and organizations toward unshakeable authenticity, trustworthiness and credibility.
Unraveling the Future of Nonprofits: Top 10 Insights From a Recent Study
In the ever-evolving landscape of the nonprofit sector, industry professionals must stay updated with the latest trends and insights.
The Cornerstone of Success: Building a Healthy Culture in Your Nonprofit Organization
For nonprofits, where resources are often limited and the stakes are high, a healthy culture is not a luxury but a necessity. You are dependent on people staying connected more for the mission than for the money. A well-crafted culture not only sustains your cause but also ensures an engaged donor base and a thriving staff and volunteer team.