Strategic Philanthropy: Navigating Choices and Building Impact (Steven E. Mayer, Ph.D.)

How can shifting from a need-based approach to an asset-based mindset transform your nonprofit’s impact and fundraising success? Discover transformative strategies to elevate your nonprofit’s impact in episode 268 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership featuring Dr. Steven Mayer, the Chief Strategist for Effective Communities. Drawing from his extensive experience, Steve shares practical advice from his book aimed at both individuals and organizations. He introduces a shift from the traditional need-based approach to an asset-based mindset, highlighting the importance of recognizing and leveraging community strengths. Steve outlines three key actions encouraging nonprofits to persuasively communicate their mission and progress. Through real-world examples and actionable tips, this episode offers nonprofit leaders’ invaluable guidance on enhancing their organizational effectiveness and fundraising success, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and impactful nonprofit sector.

"The real shift happens when nonprofits move from highlighting needs to showcasing strengths, collaborating with allies, and persuasively showing their impact."

ABOUT STEVE

As an Adjunct Professor and Lecturer in Johns Hopkins University’s Master of Arts Program in Non-Governmental Organization Management, Steve Mayer for many years taught an online course in Nonprofit Program Development and Evaluation. This has allowed him to hone his perspective on evaluation and energize brilliant mid-career students with perspective and tools to pursue a more decent society. In 2019 he began work on his first eBook, How to Show Off Your Wicked Strong Sexy and Incredibly Effective Nonprofit. The book was tailored to nonprofit staff and board members, and incorporated work from his website, EffectiveCommunities.com – its main purpose was to help nonprofits demonstrate their effectiveness to key stakeholders. Now, 25 years after ECP’s founding, Steve is turning his lens to focus on individuals wanting to make the world a better place. This new direction is found in his recently launched book, How to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options.

EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCES

• Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements, by Emil Angelica
• Check out Steve’s book How to Save the World: Evaluating Your Options
• Have you read Patton’s book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector? You can now download the audiobook!
• Check out our new website, PMAnonprofit.com!

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