SOLUTIONS FOR NON-PROFITS › GOVERNMENTS › BUSINESSES ›
EDUCATION CENTER
DEVELOP YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Learning occurs through many different forums: Articles, books, webinars, conferences, training classes, blogs like The Snowbank. The important thing is this:
The best, most relevant insights and ideas
come from the people closest to the ground.
They're the ones with expertise, first-hand experience, and visibility into trends within and across sectors and industries. They're actually helping the organizations confronting these problems, working with them to find creative ways to solve problems every single day.
We aren't in ivory towers or stuck in the past.
Our insights are real, relevant, and actionable.
We offer resources and educational programs resources to help you address issues you're facing today, and the evolving landscape that will affect your future.
EDUCATION CENTER
DEVELOP YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Learning occurs through many different forums: Articles, books, webinars, conferences, training classes, blogs like The Snowbank. The important thing is this:
The best, most relevant
insights and ideas come from the people closest to the ground.
They're the ones with expertise, first-hand experience, and visibility into trends within and across sectors and industries. They're actually helping the organizations confronting these problems, working with them to find creative ways to solve problems every single day.
We aren't in ivory towers or stuck in the past. Our insights are real, relevant, and actionable.
We offer resources and educational programs resources to help you address issues you're facing today, and the evolving landscape that will affect your future.
Solutions for Non-profits › Governments › Businesses ›
EDUCATION CENTER
DEVELOP YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Learning occurs through many different forums: Articles, books, webinars, conferences, training classes, blogs like The Snowbank. The important thing is this:
The best, most relevant insights and ideas
come from the people closest to the ground.
They're the ones with expertise, first-hand experience, and visibility into trends within and across sectors and industries. They're actually helping the organizations confronting these problems, working with them to find creative ways to solve problems every single day.
We aren't in ivory towers or stuck in the past.
Our insights are real, relevant, and actionable.
We offer resources and educational programs resources to help you address issues you're facing today, and the evolving landscape that will affect your future.
PUBLICATIONS
›
ARTICLES AND BOOKS
Workforce Modernization
How to Build an Innovation Organization
Do you find it hard to replace retiring talent with the next generation? It's a challenge and an opporunity that's hitting some industries hard. This is for the water sector but, if you're in the same position, read it.
Non-profit Volunteers
Five Myths and How to Get Past Them
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many non-profits, but they're not without challenges. Many issues, however, are over-stated or flat out untrue, and this makes it harder to acquire and deploy an unpaid workforce.
Donor Development
They're People, not Credit Cards
Can you reach and resonate with propsects, and persuade them to give? Are you retaining them, and equipping them to be your "ambassadors?" If you want to do better, get to know their "human sides," on their terms.
Employee Turnover
Keep People Here Today, and Tomorrow
Every organization has turnover. Some may actually be beneficial, and you can limit future “bad attrition” through targeted retention programs. When the inevitable happens and key people move on, you can cope.
Implementing Strategy
How to Live a "Strategic Lifestyle"
Strategic plans are means to ends, but they can't be blueprints you don't ever use. You're going to have to "live strategy" to keep your non-profit vibrant and relevant over time, and maximize your full potential.
Talent Acquisition
Using Market-based Staffing Strategies
Labor markets affect who you can hire, for how much. It makes no sense to seek who you can't get but, with a little creativity, you can find great people. Just know and respond to what the market—and you—can offer.
Organization Transformation
Reimagine Your Association for the Future
Technology is evolving, fast, with both possibilities and challenges for your association. You need up-to-date marketing, communications, and member services skills to leverage what's here and what's next.
Workforce Modernization
How to Build an Innovation Organization
Do you find it hard to replace retiring talent with the next generation? It's a challenge and an opporunity that's hitting some industries hard. This is for the water sector but, if you're in the same position, read it.
Non-profit Volunteers
Five Myths and How to Get Past Them
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many non-profits, but they're not without challenges. Many issues, however, are over-stated or flat out untrue, and this makes it harder to acquire and deploy an unpaid workforce.
Donor Development
They're People, not Credit Cards
Can you reach and resonate with propsects, and persuade them to give? Are you retaining them, and equipping them to be your "ambassadors?" If you want to do better, get to know their "human sides," on their terms.
Employee Turnover
Keep People Here Today, and Tomorrow
Every organization has turnover. Some may actually be beneficial, and you can limit future “bad attrition” through targeted retention programs. When the inevitable happens and key people move on, you can cope.
Implementing Strategy
How to Live a "Strategic Lifestyle"
Strategic plans are means to ends, but they can't be blueprints you don't ever use. You're going to have to "live strategy" to keep your non-profit vibrant and relevant over time, and maximize your full potential.
Talent Acquisition
Using Market-based Staffing Strategies
Labor markets affect who you can hire, for how much. It makes no sense to seek who you can't get but, with a little creativity, you can find great people. Just know and respond to what the market—and you—can offer.
Organization Transformation
Reimagine Your Association for the Future
Technology is evolving, fast, with both possibilities and challenges for your association. You need up-to-date marketing, communications, and member services skills to leverage what's here and what's next.
Workforce Modernization
How to Build an Innovation Organization
Do you find it hard to replace retiring talent with the next generation? It's a challenge and an opporunity that's hitting some industries hard. This is for the water sector but, if you're in the same position, read it.
Non-profit Volunteers
Five Myths and How to Get Past Them
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many non-profits, but they're not without challenges. Many issues, however, are over-stated or flat out untrue, and this makes it harder to acquire and deploy an unpaid workforce.
Donor Development
They're People, not Credit Cards
Can you reach and resonate with propsects, and persuade them to give? Are you retaining them, and equipping them to be your "ambassadors?" If you want to do better, get to know their "human sides," on their terms.
Employee Turnover
Keep People Here Today, and Tomorrow
Every organization has turnover. Some may actually be beneficial, and you can limit future “bad attrition” through targeted retention programs. When the inevitable happens and key people move on, you can cope.
Implementing Strategy
How to Live a "Strategic Lifestyle"
Strategic plans are means to ends, but they can't be blueprints you don't ever use. You're going to have to "live strategy" to keep your non-profit vibrant and relevant over time, and maximize your full potential.
Talent Acquisition
Using Market-based Staffing Strategies
Labor markets affect who you can hire, for how much. It makes no sense to seek who you can't get but, with a little creativity, you can find great people. Just know and respond to what the market—and you—can offer.
Organization Transformation
Reimagine Your Association for the Future
Technology is evolving, fast, with both possibilities and challenges for your association. You need up-to-date marketing, communications, and member services skills to leverage what's here and what's next.
PRESENTATIONS
›
CONFERENCES, ETC.
Data Analytics
Using Metrics to Improve Performance
If you're not using measures to govern and manage your organization, you can't recognize and respond to performance challenges. Fortunately, you can get data. You just have to listen to and interpret it correctly, and follow its guidance to adjust course.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—April 2024
Strategic Responses
Building Blocks for Effective Strategy
Strategic plans often rely on incomplete knowledge and inaccurate interpretations, and many don't get executed. As a result, they're ineffective, even irrelevant. Adopt a "strategic response" mindset, informed and action-oriented, to be successful.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—May 2022
Non-profit Governance
Building a Stronger Board
Great boards comprise members with the right skills, experiences, motivations, and attitudes. Building one takes a clear definition of requirements, personalized efforts to find and recruit candidates, and rigorous evaluation. Learn the process, and put in the time.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Leadership Series—January 2022
Navigating Change
Taking the Good from the Pandemic Era
We turned the corner on the Covid crisis. As hard as it was, there's a lot to learn. Moving forward, you should evaluate and build upon new practices that worked, and use the pandemic's lessons to improve what you do. You can take your non-profit to another level.
Loudoun Chamber and CFLFC
Non-profit Academy—December 2020
Marketing by Experience
Influencing Behaviors and Outcomes
Every interaction a prospect has with you is an experience that shapes perceptions and directs responses. Each moment contributes to impressions of you and your cause, for better or for worse. Keep them positive and rewarding, and you'll persuade donors to give what you need.
Maryland Non-profits and MARFY
Annual Conference—October 2019
Workforce Alignment
Positioning People to Execute Strategy
Implementing strategies requires human resources with the skills to execute key initiatives and integrate the changes that result. It's critical to know in advance what you need, who you have, and how to fill resource gaps for your strategy to be successful in the long run.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Annual Conference—November 2017
Navigating Change
Guiding Your Team through Transitions
"The only constant is change." Success requires a strong leader, but what's a leader without capable, willing followers? Be a good "coach." Know your people, equip them, tailor messaging, and get to the real influencers to build acceptance and positive behaviors.
4 Good Nonprofit Knowledge Center
Webinar—August 2015
Total Cost-effectiveness
Cutting Infrastucture isn't the Answer
"Internal" functions like HR and IT feel the heat from budget constraints. This is often a mistake. Look at the big picture, how every unit affects others, and you'll know how to make the right decisions when funds are tight, ensuring you can deliver on the mission at least total cost.
Int'l Assoc. for Strategic Planning
Annual Conference—May 2015
Data Analytics
Using Metrics to Improve Performance
If you're not using measures to govern and manage your organization, you can't recognize and respond to performance challenges. Fortunately, you can get data. You just have to listen to and interpret it correctly, and follow its guidance to adjust course.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—April 2024
Strategic Responses
Building Blocks for Effective Strategy
Strategic plans often rely on incomplete knowledge and inaccurate interpretations, and many don't get executed. As a result, they're ineffective, even irrelevant. Adopt a "strategic response" mindset, informed and action-oriented, to be successful.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—May 2022
Non-profit Governance
Building a Stronger Board
Great boards comprise members with the right skills, experiences, motivations, and attitudes. Building one takes a clear definition of requirements, personalized efforts to find and recruit candidates, and rigorous evaluation. Learn the process, and put in the time.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Leadership Series—January 2022
Navigating Change
Taking the Good from the "Pandemic Era"
We turned the corner on the Covid crisis. As hard as it was, there's a lot to learn. Moving forward, you should evaluate and build upon new practices that worked, and use the pandemic's lessons to improve what you do. You can take your non-profit to another level.
Loudoun Chamber and CFLFC
Non-profit Academy—December 2020
Marketing by Experience
Influencing Behaviors and Outcomes
Every interaction a prospect has with you is an experience that shapes perceptions and directs responses. Each moment contributes to impressions of you and your cause, for better or for worse. Keep them positive and rewarding, and you'll persuade donors to give what you need.
Maryland Non-profits and MARFY
Annual Conference—October 2019
Workforce Alignment
Positioning People to Execute Strategy
Implementing strategies requires human resources with the skills to execute key initiatives and integrate the changes that result. It's critical to know in advance what you need, who you have, and how to fill resource gaps for your strategy to be successful in the long run.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Annual Conference—November 2017
Navigating Change
Guiding Your Team through Transitions
"The only constant is change." Success requires a strong leader, but what's a leader without capable, willing followers? Be a good "coach." Know your people, equip them, tailor messaging, and get to the real influencers to build acceptance and positive behaviors.
4 Good Nonprofit Knowledge Center
Webinar—August 2015
Total Cost-effectiveness
Cutting Infrastucture isn't the Answer
"Internal" functions like HR and IT feel the heat from budget constraints. This is often a mistake. Look at the big picture, how every unit affects others, and you'll know how to make the right decisions when funds are tight, ensuring you can deliver on the mission at least total cost.
Int'l Assoc. for Strategic Planning
Annual Conference—May 2015
Data Analytics
Using Metrics to Improve Performance
If you're not using measures to govern and manage your organization, you can't recognize and respond to performance challenges. Fortunately, you can get data. You just have to listen to and interpret it correctly, and follow its guidance to adjust course.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—April 2024
Strategic Responses
Building Blocks for Effective Strategy
Strategic plans often rely on incomplete knowledge and inaccurate interpretations, and many don't get executed. As a result, they're ineffective, even irrelevant. Adopt a "strategic response" mindset, informed and action-oriented, to be successful.
Non-profit Institute at CSM
Annual Conference—May 2022
Non-profit Governance
Building a Stronger Board
Great boards comprise members with the right skills, experiences, motivations, and attitudes. Building one takes a clear definition of requirements, personalized efforts to find and recruit candidates, and rigorous evaluation. Learn the process, and put in the time.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Leadership Series—January 2022
Navigating Change
Taking the Good from the "Pandemic Era"
We turned the corner on the Covid crisis. As hard as it was, there's a lot to learn. Moving forward, you should evaluate and build upon new practices that worked, and use the pandemic's lessons to improve what you do. You can take your non-profit to another level.
Loudoun Chamber and CFLFC
Non-profit Academy—December 2020
Marketing by Experience
Influencing Behaviors and Outcomes
Every interaction a prospect has with you is an experience that shapes perceptions and directs responses. Each moment contributes to impressions of you and your cause, for better or for worse. Keep them positive and rewarding, and you'll persuade donors to give what you need.
Maryland Non-profits and MARFY
Annual Conference—October 2019
Workforce Alignment
Positioning People to Execute Strategy
Implementing strategies requires human resources with the skills to execute key initiatives and integrate the changes that result. It's critical to know in advance what you need, who you have, and how to fill resource gaps for your strategy to be successful in the long run.
Va. Assoc. of Free and Charitable Clinics
Annual Conference—November 2017
Navigating Change
Guiding Your Team through Transitions
"The only constant is change." Success requires a strong leader, but what's a leader without capable, willing followers? Be a good "coach." Know your people, equip them, tailor messaging, and get to the real influencers to build acceptance and positive behaviors.
4 Good Nonprofit Knowledge Center
Webinar—August 2015
Total Cost-effectiveness
Cutting Infrastucture isn't the Answer
"Internal" functions like HR and IT feel the heat from budget constraints. This is often a mistake. Look at the big picture, how every unit affects others, and you'll know how to make the right decisions when funds are tight, ensuring you can deliver on the mission at least total cost.
Int'l Assoc. for Strategic Planning
Annual Conference—May 2015
PROGRAMS
›
LEARN WITH US
We offer professional development programs for non-profit, government, and business professionals on a variety of subjects through our Educating Leaders Initiative (ELI). Content is applicable to boards, C-level executives, senior managers, and aspiring professionals. Topics include strategy, organizations, people, and marketing. Formats include web-based classes, in-person workshops, team experiences, and peer cohorts. We also work with our associated subject matters expert (SME) small businesses, providing discounted access to curated leadership training and team-building opportunities (contact us to learn more).
We offer professional development programs for non-profit, government, and business professionals on a range of subjects through our Educating Leaders Initiative (ELI). Content is applicable to boards, C-level executives, senior managers, and others, and includes strategy, organizations, people, and marketing. Formats include web-based classes, workshops, team experiences, and peer cohorts. We also work with associated subject matters expert small businesses to offer discounted access to curated leadership training and team-building opportunities (contact us to learn more).
Course Descriptions
Non-profit Leadership Cohorts
This interactive Leadership and Governance Experience is designed for non-profit boards and Executive Directors, teaching key concepts and providing tools to develop actionable improvement plans with peer support. This nine-week program groups similarly sized organizations to create a shared space for learing and exchanging best practices, lessons learned, ideas, and feedback.
Best for
Board Members and EDs
Times Offered
Quarterly
Learning Format
Virtual
Time Commitment
1 hour every 2 weeks
Max Cohort SIze
5 organizations
Standard Cost
$1,200 per organization
Board Development Short Course
This one-time Building and Operating an Effective Board course teaches basic non-profit board roles and requirements, discusses how to determine the right composition, and explains how to recruit and on-board high-performing, participative members. We've held this class with many of our clients, helping them take control of governance, strategy, and support responsibilities.
Best for
Board Members and EDs
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person
Time Commitment
2 hours (1 session)
Max Session Size
1 non-profit, no limit
Standard Cost
$400 per organization
Strategic Thinking for Leaders
Performance and growth depend on innovation. Products and services, delivery, and internal operations have to evolve wtih market needs and wants, and internal operations have to be cost-effective. This course provides a safe, open place to develop and practice individual and team skills required to create, test, and assess solutions, and supports smart investment decisions.
Best for
Leadership and Managers
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person
Time Commitmment
4 x 4 hour days
Max Program Size
12 (one organization)
Standard Cost
$4,000 per group
Performance Analytics (soon!)
Metrics matter. The right measures, milestone targets, interpretations, and responses are essential to every organization. Learn why it's important and how to define appropriate metrics, set targets, forecast and explain outcomes, and make informed decisions. When you manage to results, you're assuring you're getting the optimal outcomes for your organization.
Best for
Boards, C-level, and Managers
Times Offered
To be determined
Learning Format
Virtual
Time Commitment
3 x 2 hour days
Max Group Size
To be determined
Anticipated Cost
$1,000 per organization
Non-profit Leadership Cohorts
This interactive Leadership and Governance Experience is designed for non-profit boards and Executive Directors, teaching key concepts and providing tools to develop actionable improvement plans with peer support. This nine-week program groups similarly sized organizations to create a shared space for learing and exchanging best practices, lessons learned, ideas, and feedback.
Best for
Board Members and EDs
Times Offered
Quarterly
Learning Format
Virtual
Time Commitment
1 hour every 2 weeks
Max Cohort SIze
5 organizations
Standard Cost
$1,200 per organization
Board Development Short Course
This one-time Building and Operating an Effective Board course teaches basic non-profit board roles and requirements, discusses how to determine the right composition, and explains how to recruit and on-board high-performing, participative members. We've held this class with many of our clients, helping them take control of governance, strategy, and support responsibilities.
Best for
Board Members and EDs
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person
Time Commitment
2 hours (1 session)
Max Session Size
1 non-profit, no limit
Standard Cost
$400 per organization
Strategic Thinking for Leaders
Performance and growth depend on innovation. Products and services, delivery, and internal operations have to evolve wtih market needs and wants, and internal operations have to be cost-effective. This course provides a safe, open place to develop and practice individual and team skills required to create, test, and assess solutions, and supports smart investment decisions.
Best for
Leadership and Managers
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person
Time Commitmment
4 x 4 hour days
Max Program Size
12 (one organization)
Standard Cost
$4,000 per group
Performance Analytics (soon!)
Metrics matter. The right measures, milestone targets, interpretations, and responses are essential to every organization. Learn why it's important and how to define appropriate metrics, set targets, forecast and explain outcomes, and make informed decisions to keep you on track. When you manage to results, you're assuring you're getting the optimal outcomes for your organization.
Best for
Boards, C-level, and Managers
Times Offered
To be determined
Learning Format
Virtual
Time Commitment
3 x 2 hour days
Max Group Size
To be determined
Anticipated Cost
$1,000 per organization
Course Descriptions
-
Non-profit Leadership Cohorts
This interactive Leadership and Governance Experience is designed for non-profit boards and Executive Directors, teaching key concepts and providing tools to develop actionable improvement plans with peer support. This nine-week program groups similarly sized organizations to create a shared space for learing and exchanging best practices, lessons learned, ideas, and feedback.
Best for
Board Members and Executive Directors
Times Offered
4x per year, at the start of each quarter
Learning Format
Virtual (video and/or phone)
Time Commitment
1 hour every 2 weeks, plus homework
Max Cohort Size
5 organizations per group
Standard Cost
$1,200 per organization (up to 4 participants)
Learn More › -
Board Development Short Course
This one-time Building and Operating an Effective Board course teaches the basics of non-profit board roles and requirements, discusses how to determine the right compositions, and explains how to recruit and on-board high-performing, participative members. We've held this class with many of our clients, helping them take control of governance, strategy, and support responsibilities.
Best for
Board Members and Executive Directors
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person (if requested)
Time Commitment
2 hours (1 session)
Max Session Size
No limit 1 non-profit per class)
Standard Cost
$400 per organization
Learn More › -
Strategic Thinking for Leaders
Performance and growth depend on innovation. Products and services, delivery, and internal operations have to evolve with market needs and wants, and internal operations have to be cost-effective. This course provides a safe, open place to develop and practice individual and team skills required to create, test, and assess solutions, and supports smart investment decision-making.
Best for
Leadership and Management Teams
Times Offered
On demand
Learning Format
Virtual or In-person
Time Commitment
4 days x 4 hours per day, plus homework
Max Program Size
12 participants (one organization)
Standard Cost
$4,000 per group
Learn More › -
Performance Data Analytics (coming soon)
Metrics matter. The right measures, milestone targets, interpretations, and responses are essential to every organization. Learn why it's important and how to define appropriate metrics, set targets, forecast and explain outcomes, and make informed decisions. When you manage to results, you're assuring you're getting the optimal outcomes for your organization.
Best for
Boards, C-level Executives, and Managers
Times Offered
To be determined
Learning Format
Virtual (video)
Time Commitment
3 days x 2hours per day
Max Group Size
To be determined
Anticipated Cost
$1,000 per organization
Learn More ›
