Next Stage stands in solidarity against systemic racism and oppression in our country and our community. Our firm is about the advancement of social good, but we know this can’t fully happen until we recognize systems of injustice in our communities, in our sector,...

A few weeks ago, Caylin and I had the opportunity to serve as facilitators for a Kinship Summit organized by SHARE Charlotte on behalf of the Reemprise Fund. Charlie Elberson, his wife Lou Kinard and more than 50 leaders in community development got together to...

“One’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. In November, the Next Stage team participated in the Racial Equity Institute’s two-day Phase 1 training designed to “develop...

by Josh Jacobson Of late we have been talking about the importance of values and guiding principles to informing the culture and brand of a nonprofit organization. We think it is really important and an under-examined element of the nonprofit business model. But what...

by Josh Jacobson This past Monday, I had the opportunity to engage in one of my favorite activities: facilitating a values retreat. Of all the ways in which Next Stage engages in facilitation, none is more spirit-lifting than bringing together the board, staff and key...

by Josh Jacobson Here at Next Stage, we talk a lot about nonprofit strategy. Seriously, so much. Click around our website, and you’ll see thoughtfully crafted pages and myriad blog posts outlining our approach to strategic planning, resource development, talent...