Health care workers top list of things to be thankful for this year | Notes on Nonprofits
It’s time for my very favorite Thanksgiving column. 2021 has been another challenging year which leads me to admire the dedication and hard work of nonprofits more than ever. I’m thankful for so many things. Here is this year’s list:
Giving: #GiveTLH 2021: It's time to cast your vote to lift up your favorite nonprofits
Christmas Connection: How you can change lives for a struggling local family
Health care workers and first responders who continue to work on the front lines of the pandemic to help and care for people at their most vulnerable.
Boards of Directors who recognize the need and take steps to successfully implement a leadership succession plan for the CEO/ED.
You, the readers of this column, who reach out with feedback, questions, and support. You are the reason for this column.
The boards and staff of Council on Culture and Arts, Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence, and United Partners for Human Services for all you do to strengthen the sector and support nonprofit leaders.
Diversity, gifts, parents
People who raise the alarm about the lack of diversity on some boards and those who are working to address the issues.
Boards who remember their Executive Director at the holidays with a gift or other remembrance. While the ED supports the staff, the board supports the ED.
Bob Harris and Kelly Otte for your support and help to make this column a reliable source of information, affirmation, and inspiration.
Parents and grandparents who teach their children about the importance of giving back.
I’m grateful to Barnaby’s, Cabo’s, and Jim & Milt’s for all their years of serving good food, providing jobs, and supporting the community by giving back.
Volunteers who generously donate their time and talents in so many ways. You are at the heart of every nonprofit.
Board members who read the agenda in advance, arrive on time, are fully engaged during the meeting, and follow through on their commitment.
Donations, sustaining donors, award
For everyone who made a cash or in-kind donation to a nonprofit in 2021. Your gifts have been especially meaningful this year. I know nonprofits are thankful.
Guest columnists who make this column better by sharing your experience and expertise to help nonprofits thrive.
The Susan Dunlap Memorial Scholarship Award, established by United Way of the Big Bend, to honor long-term employee Susan Dunlap who passed away this year.
Sustaining donors who make a gift every month. We see you and are thankful for your steadfast support.
Children’s Services Council members for their leadership and hard work.
Funders, donors, and the community who recognize staff members are not overhead.
Mental health, young professionals
Greater understanding of the importance of mental health and funders who are allocating more dollars to support it.
Big Bend Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals who hosted a lovely Philanthropy Day Celebration and the individuals, businesses, organizations, and youth who were honored.
Boards who are taking steps to fund operating reserves and endowments to ensure future services will be available and the donors who contribute to these efforts.
Young professionals who are working hard while also pursuing degrees, seeking certifications, and learning all you can to be the most effective leader you can be. I’m thankful you are the future of this sector.
Funders who are making grants to help nonprofits invest in technology, support their staff, empower their fundraising program, have a current strategic plan, and maintain operating reserves. All of these are attributes of a healthy organization.
My amazing clients, family, friends, and my mother’s oyster dressing!
Notes on Nonprofits is produced by Alyce Lee Stansbury, CFRE, President of Stansbury Consulting, and features ideas and resources, responses to reader questions, and timeless topics from our vault. Send your questions and feedback to notesonnonprofits@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: From volunteers to boards, there's much to be thankful for this year
