Today, The Nonprofit Flywheel is out in the world. I’m excited to share it with you, and a little emotional, too.
For 30 years, I’ve worked inside nonprofits and alongside them. I’ve seen people do extraordinary things because they deeply believe in their organizations’ missions. But I’ve also seen how much they’re expected to carry when their organizations don’t have the systems, resources or support they need. I’ve experienced that burnout myself.
We cannot build resilient communities on top of fragile nonprofit organizations.
I wrote this Playbook because I believe we can build a stronger nonprofit sector together — one that better supports the people doing the work. That requires thoughtful strategy, strong systems and culture, and resources that match the critical importance of our missions. We cannot keep asking exhausted people for even more heroics.
The Nonprofit Flywheel offers practical ways to strengthen the six interconnected drivers: Impact, Brand, Revenue, Operations, Culture and Governance. It draws on research and years of testing and refining the model with nonprofit leaders through strategic planning, accelerators and executive education.
But you don’t have to tackle all six at once. Today, just start with the questions that are keeping you up at night.
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To the 31 early readers who gave their time and honest feedback, and to the clients, colleagues and students who shaped my thinking over the years: Thank you. This Playbook is better because of you.
The digital edition is free because I want every changemaker who needs it to have it.
Paperback and hardback editions are available on Amazon. And we’re having a little launch month fun: Buy a printed copy in October and email your receipt to [email protected]. We’ll send you a signed bookplate and some cool goodies.
Want to learn more about The Nonprofit Flywheel? Check out podcast interviews on Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership with Dr.Patton McDowell, Your Customer, Your Success with Gary Marra and Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell for conversations about building stronger nonprofits and turning strategy into lasting momentum. Thanks to all three for their thoughtful questions and helping bring the book to life!
Most of all, I hope you’ll use this Playbook, make it your own and talk about it with others. We also have resources to help book clubs and teams turn those conversations into action.
Here’s to sustainable growth, smarter strategy and lasting impact now and into the future.
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