Across the country, local nonprofits are transforming lives through job readiness programs. These grassroots organizations are the unsung heroes who bring hope to their communities, helping job seekers overcome barriers to employment and regain their confidenc

The holidays are here—a season filled with joy, reflection, and sometimes an overwhelming list of to-dos. For nonprofit leaders, the holidays often come with the added pressure of meeting year-end goals, maintaining donor relationships, and planning for the next year. It’s easy to slip into a pattern of doing more, rushing harder, and expecting our teams (and ourselves) to keep up. But what if we approached the holidays differently this year? What if we saw this season as an opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and focus on what matters most: our people?

Hope is found in communities where passionate local organizations work tirelessly to provide job seekers with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to succeed.

At the heart of any successful campaign is a compelling story. Donors want to feel connected to your mission and understand how their support makes a difference. Share real-life stories that show the tangible impact of their contributions—whether it’s helping unemployed individuals with their clothing and resume needs or, more broadly, creating positive change in the community. Keep your message authentic and focus on the specific individuals or groups who benefit from your work.

As a nonprofit leader, you’ve likely felt the strain of balancing day-to-day tasks with your bigger mission. When you’re pulled in different directions, it’s easy to overlook the true potential of your organization. But what if I told you that you could unlock more impact by aligning your systems, people, and resources into a synergistic operating model? Take that first steps - Conduct your systems audit, realign your team, and implement quick-win strategies to optimize your resources. The future of your nonprofit—and the people you serve—depends on it.

As nonprofit leaders, we are always striving to make the most of what we have. But the question is, how well are our resources, people, and systems aligned to create synergy within our organizations?

Nonprofit organizations thrive on the passion and dedication of their board members. But what sets apart those boards that are truly engaged and effective?

Let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard to feel Smart & Sexy right now. The world is collapsing around us and our focus is on surviving not thriving. For many of the women who ACDN supports and through our member organizations, they can’t work from home. Most are trying to simply secure employment and that almost always requires leaving the house.