Announcing The UnFundable Project Top 10 Finalists

Announcing The UnFundable Project Top 10 Finalists

If you’ve been following along, you know we’re in the middle of our first grant initiative – The UnFundable Project.  In October, to mark our upcoming 10th anniversary, we invited Mecklenburg County nonprofits to apply for a $10,000 grant for a project that...
So, You Want to be on a Board?

So, You Want to be on a Board?

As a member of the Next Stage team and experienced board member, I often receive inquiries about how to become a part of a board. How do you find a good fit and learn the right tools? Today’s blog is all about my own journey with boards, along with some tips on...
An Argument for Trust-Based Philanthropy

An Argument for Trust-Based Philanthropy

Last week we did a thing – we announced The UnFundable Project, an opportunity for a Mecklenburg County nonprofit to receive a $10,000 allocation from Next Stage for a project “that would typically struggle to receive investment in a traditional grantmaking process.”...
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” is a timeless expression that carries a strong sentiment – don’t judge me – you...
Is your brand ready for Thought Leadership?

Is your brand ready for Thought Leadership?

When Next Stage does strategic marketing work, we recommend that nonprofits share their expertise and elevate their brand by leaning into Thought Leadership. Leaders often feel excited by this recommendation – and completely overwhelmed.  Some fear that content...