How to Strengthen Nonprofit Board Engagement

In BVU’s pulse survey, 76% of nonprofit leaders in Northeast Ohio describe their boards as effective. While 76% is a solid score, it’s average — a “C” grade. Yet many nonprofits still call BVU looking for ways to improve board engagement. Times are...

Key Traits of Successful Nonprofit Chief Executives

Nonprofit chief executives are vital to an organization’s success, and there are several key leadership traits and skills that often make a difference in this role.   Leadership Traits   Mission-driven: A deep commitment to the organization’s mission...

Strategic Planning: Benefits & Basic Steps

The Crucial Role of Strategic Panning: Steering through challenges and seizing opportunities What do most nonprofit leaders have in common? We can juggle. Not the easy tennis ball juggling.  We are juggling the increasing needs in our community & demands for our...

Get the Governance Right

One key element of a healthy nonprofit organization is a strong board. A strong board: Can clearly identify its work and its role for a particular nonprofit at any point in time. Is comprised of people who bring the relevant skills, expertise, diversity, networks and...

The Unique Value of Nonprofit Succession Planning

Nonprofits face a unique talent challenge, filling fewer senior roles internally compared to businesses. A recent survey reveals that only 30-40% of nonprofits promote from within, while 64% of businesses do. Yet, according to Nonprofit HR, a substantial turnover is...

How Did a Fellow Help Adoption Network Cleveland?

Tim Angbrandt, a BVU Fellow, worked with Adoption Network Cleveland on a year-long project to expand their outreach efforts. The Executive Director, Bestie Norris, provides details on Tim’s impact below. How did your fellow help your organization’s bottom...

How Did a BVU Fellow Help Union-Miles Development Corporation?

Jennifer Goings Smith, a BVU Fellow, worked with Union-Miles on a year-long project to structure their Board of Directors. The Executive Director of Union-Miles, Roshawn Sample, provides details on Jennifer’s profound impact below. How did your fellow help your...

May Nonprofit News: Where are the volunteers?

Northeast Ohio nonprofits are struggling to recruit volunteers. Volunteerism in the United States has been decreasing steadily for the last decade, with the most significant drop seen between 2019 to 2021. However, 69% of individuals who volunteered in 2022 want to...

Nonprofit Resources and News

From topics like volunteer management to diversity assessment on non-profit boards, here’s what BVU members are reading in March to stay up to date on nonprofit resources and trends. for more info on nonprofit consulting. Nonprofit and Workplace Trends Take advantage...
Medical Mutual’s Transformational Volunteer Experience

Medical Mutual’s Transformational Volunteer Experience

Rob Zaremsky Director, Business & Community Engagement September 7, 2022 “Volunteering should be transformational, not transactional.” This is a phrase that we share on a regular basis during our enhanced volunteering sessions with volunteers from BVU Business...

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

Darnell D. Davis, Jr. Director, Leadership and Strategic Initiatives August 17, 2022 On August 17, I celebrate National Nonprofit Day with an ask for you to find a nonprofit organization you are passionate about and get involved. This day recognizes our...

Up Your Game with Skills-Based Volunteering – Blue Avocado

All nonprofits have something on their to-do list that would help improve their operations – but often lack the time or knowledge to get started working on it. Skills-based volunteering can be provided through specialized volunteer-matching organizations, such...

Job Opportunities at YMCA Greater Cleveland – March 2022

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has multiple job opportunities available   Seasonal Camp Counselors – multiple positions Do you love spending time with children of all ages? Was your time at summer camp a cherished memory? Would you like to share your experiences...

Ukraine Relief Supply Drive – Medworks & Medwish

Medworks and MedWish International are partnering up in efforts to address the critical supply shortages resulting from the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine. Please see below for more information or click for full press release.  For Immediate Release –...

What is the 2022 Homeless Stand Down?

VOLUNTEER SPONSOR LEARN MORE What is a stand down? The Stand Down concept was developed during the Vietnam War. At a secure base camp, troops returning from combat were able to shower, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, and send and...