Practical Resources

Boards

Regina Fox, SSND - nonprofit consultant with experience facilitating diverse groups.

• Transition in Leadership -- Transition presents a unique opportunity for the organization to move forward with a clearer sense of the strengths, challenges, and changes the agency needs to address. Frances Hesselbein, board chair of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation, offers some tips for agencies experiencing a transition in leadership.

Margaret Eilerman, SSJ - Has directed several non-profit agencies and served as a facilitator for 20 years, working with many non-profit entities.

• Barriers to Board Effectiveness -- The Board of Directors is responsible for carrying out the mission of the organization. What are some conditions that make it more difficulty to function efficiently?

Business Plan

Robbie Pentecost, OSF - Development Project Leader for the Christian Appalachian Project.

• Building a Business Plan -- Planning to open a new business or start a new ministry is much like preparing for a major trip. A business plan is the itinerary. It gives an overview of where you are going, stops along the way, times and schedules to be met – but with room for creative flexibility. . . . a few pointers for your roadmap.

Communications

Kris K. Elftmann - President of Noelle Marketing Group, a creative resources firm that produces sales and marketing materials for corporate and non-profit clients throughout the United States.

• Three Irrefutable Ideas to Market Your Business -- Practical ideas to help you "tell your story" and think through the process of marketing.

Financial Planning

Debra L. James, EA is an accountant and owner of Genesis Accounting & Management Services in Amherst, Ohio.

• Financial Management 101 -- Practical suggestions for people starting new ministries

Grant Writing

Carol Geisbauer has 25 years of grant writing experience, with 10 years as a freelance grantwriter.

• Grant Writing -- Grant writing is one of the ways nonprofit organizations raise funding to provide programs and services to achieve their mission. Carol offers some ideas to write a winning proposal.

Marketing

Karen Kirby, CSJ is the president and manager of WellSpring Bookstore.

• Free Website Promotion Methods -- Here are some ideas to help you get your website drive more business to your door.

Personal Development

Carol Ann Killoran, SSJ-TOSF - creator of Professional Pastoral Counseling Services. She uses StressMap a comprehensive self-scoring stress assessment and mindfulness meditation practice to empower clients toward balanced living.

• What is Stress? -- Stress is a part of life. Here is an exercise in mindfulness meditiation to help you cope with it.

Planning

Marian Durkin, CSA, founded The Open House a center for persons with AIDS on Cleveland’s east side. When she began her venture, Marian had no experience as an entrepreneur. Now she shares from the wealth of her experience.

• How Do I Begin?- Tips for Starting a New Venture -- Basic information for getting started.

Transitions

Donna Capuano, OSU, is the Founder and Director of the Career Transition Office located in the Ursuline Sophia Center. Experiences she shares are change as opportunity, entrepreneurship, and career transition issues.

• How Do You Know It's the Right Move? Making the Next Transition! --Transitions are “reflective journeys.” Here are some questions to guide your self-assessment