As we move forward, if we can keep our focus on how to best craft, market, sell and support whatever it is we do -- profit or not -- and if we can learn from each other, then we'll all be better off.

Imagine a world without neighborhood centers, the Red Cross, the YM's and YWs, and hundreds of other human service agencies. What would happen in a disaster? Where would neighbors gather?

"Parallels can always be found between children everywhere in the world. Children are open vessels waiting to be filled. "

In my work with Washington Area Women's Foundation, I have met far too many women who seem to be running a marathon on a treadmill -- they're working so hard, but aren't getting anywhere. And one misstep could be disastrous.

It is critically important that we move away from an unwritten rule that "charities" are doing good things that shouldn't be questioned, to a place where nonprofits are continually asking themselves whether they are making the most effective use of resources and providing real solutions.

I think it's vital -- that having a work world where there is choice between nonprofit and corporate, both offering ways to connect with and care for the community at large is a position of strength.

Bill Ackman, one of Wall Street's most influential hedge fund managers is pioneering a relatively young investment movement that mixes business strategy with philanthropy, yielding massive impact in the world.

Here we are at the end of another school year, and once again, teachers throughout the USA are facing uncertainty. Congress has not acted and now the impact of sequestration on federal educational programs is beginning to take hold.

Education, like art, is never 'done.' We have to constantly iterate and adapt, which means building a national culture of continuous improvement and innovation, responding to the challenges and opportunities of the day.

There can be many reasons why a nonprofit doesn't bring enough money in the door. But here are the top 5 reasons a nonprofit struggles financially.

It's no secret that nonprofits, particularly those that are primarily funded by state and local government, are increasingly starved for cash needed to carry out their missions.

There have been many articles written about the voluntourism industry in recent years. Often authors aggressively attack the idea. But what we keep finding however, is that few of these articles give practical ideas to passionate young people who want to make a difference.

Robert Kaplan has spent his career bridging the gap between the two worlds, and showing that both kinds of companies can learn from each other to maxi...

At the core of relevancy is the basic understanding that the audience for the brand really matters, not the other way around. In an age of supporter shift, nonprofits must figure out how to make their brand promise relevant to different generations that have varying needs and perspectives.

According to Bloomberg: "In the past decade, the number of nonprofit groups has grown by 25 percent to 1.6 million. They now account for 5.4 percent of gross domestic product and 10 percent of jobs."

Wait, what's an Armchair Advocate? Okay, I know what you are thinking. And the answer is "no," an Armchair Advocate is not someone who advocates for ...

So, now that we've covered the evolution of branding and what a brand is, let's take a look at the importance of having a living brand.

Similar to social media, fundraising never sleeps. It's an ongoing effort and an art to be practiced and nurtured throughout all levels of an organization, not just the fundraising department.

When I say "flight to quality," I'm talking about the observable trend of donors deciding to support fewer organizations, consolidating their giving with those that mean the most to them from a mission perspective, demonstrate sustainability and treat them well.

We have seen the power of investing in one woman, then watching her make a difference not only in her family, but throughout her community. We have seen the remarkable acceleration effect of microfinance investment in women, and know that women have the potential to change the world.

Some have been quick to dismiss the pop-up phenomenon as a trend that is problematic for business, given the short-term nature of the model. But recent years have shown pop-up shops proving to be a long-term strategy for businesses, communities and nonprofit organizations alike.