Prosper Strategies

08/07/2025

🎯 NEWS FLASH: Your most important strategic decisions shouldn't be made in a boardroom.
They should happen in partnership with the very people you serve. ✨

In our latest Changemaker Conversations episode, we're diving DEEP into the Shared Power Philosophy—the belief that nonprofits develop their most impactful strategies by involving ALL stakeholders (especially constituents) in shaping their work.

We're sharing real stories from:
🌟 A multilingual strategic planning process
🌟 A community-led crisis response
🌟 Building a national neighbor engagement strategy for Feeding America...and more

You'll also learn:
🌟 4 core tenets every shared power nonprofit exhibits
🌟 How to use the Shared Power Spectrum to plan a range of engagement opportunities for stakeholders of all kinds
🌟 How to get started in your journey to become a Shared Power Nonprofit today

Ready to move beyond one-time surveys and build genuine feedback loops? This episode is your roadmap 🗺️

🎧:
- Changemakerconversations.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shared-power-philosophy-your-key-to-running-a/id1814143447?i=1000721099872
- Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/586JIqCsCO5mIrRKH5WfWg?si=f8951415c42942eb
📖 Show notes: prosper-strategies.com/changemaker-conversations-shared-power

What's one way YOUR organization could better involve the people you serve in strategic decisions? Drop it in the comments 👇

07/23/2025

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mattox, Vice President of Campaign and Principal Gifts at Connecticut Children’s Foundation, to explore what it really takes to align marketing and fundraising for greater impact.

Drawing on her decades of nonprofit experience—including 14 years at Horizons National—Kelly shares insights on running major campaigns, building sustainable fundraising strategies, and creating lasting partnerships between marketing and development teams.

Whether you’re navigating a campaign, trying to improve internal collaboration, or just need a dose of inspiration, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and renewed purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
-How to foster a healthy, collaborative relationship between marketing and fundraising
-Why role clarity matters—and how to get it right
-Lessons from creating a national Giving Day that raised millions
-What makes a campaign truly sustainable beyond its launch
-How to stay mission-connected in challenging fundraising climates

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-campaigns-that-last-marketing-fundraising/id1812741982?i=1000718336209

07/09/2025

Nonprofit competitive assessments: Should you conduct one? - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/competitive-assessment

06/30/2025

Beyond the Board Room - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning-17989737

06/18/2025

In this episode of Changemaker Conversations, Lindsay talks about her time as board chair for Ignite and shares the real story of how to build board engagement that actually works from her own experience.

We chat about:

-Getting strategic about your board’s structure
-Ways to help your board better connect with your mission
-Becoming clear on board & staff roles
-Being intentional about leadership development
-Investing in the chair/ED relationship

If you’re a nonprofit CEO, executive director or board member struggling with board dynamics, recruitment or engagement, this conversation offers practical, tested strategies from someone who has been in both seats—as a strategic consultant working with boards and as a board leader navigating the challenges firsthand.

Check it out and listen: https://prosper-strategies.com/engaged-nonprofit-board/

06/10/2025

Share this with your future board chair - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning-17989430

06/04/2025

This week on the Prosper blog: 3 Online Fundraising Trends to Incorporate into Your Nonprofit's Strategy - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning-17989390

05/27/2025

📢 New Podcast Episode Alert!

Does your nonprofit’s strategic plan feel more like a document than a driving force? In the latest episode of Changemaker Conversations: The Podcast for Nonprofit Leaders, Alyssa Conrardy and Lindsay Mullen uncover the top reasons strategic plans fail—and share practical insights for making yours work.

💡 You’ll learn:

Why most plans fall short

The power of stakeholder engagement

How to make your plan adaptable and effective

Clear roles for boards and staff

Tips to turn planning into action

🎧 Listen now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/changemaker-conversations-the-podcast-for-nonprofit/id1812741982?i=1000708356151

05/22/2025

Because sharing is caring, here are dozens of free resources every nonprofit leader should know about -

Several years ago, I (Lindsay) had the opportunity to participate in United Way of Metro Chicago’s Board Leadership Institute through Northwestern University. As a nonprofit board leader, it was one of the most valuable things I did to orient myself to board service. So imagine my delight when I r...

05/07/2025

Ultimate Guide for Your Ideal Board Member - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning-17988992

05/02/2025

Need to raise money quickly to fill funding gaps or address urgent needs? This week's article with 4 Tips for Quick Win Campaigns can help. - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning-17988916

04/22/2025

Nonprofit Scenario Planning: What it is and when you need it - https://mailchi.mp/prosper-strategies.com/nonprofit-scenario-planning