Tag: nonprofitleadership

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What Refinement Teaches Us About Showing Up

Why the details we choose shape the presence we carry

Refinement is often misunderstood as extravagance, when in truth, it is simply intentionality made visible.

It is not about excess, perfection, or performance.
It is about discernment — the ability to choose thoughtfully, communicate clearly, and create experiences that feel aligned rather than overworked.

Refinement teaches us:

  • how to choose with purpose
  • how to communicate without excess
  • how to enter a room with clarity
  • how to calm the atmosphere around us

In my own work, refinement has always been less about aesthetics and more about how things land — with donors, with clients, with supporters, with readers.

Whether I am designing an event, shaping a client experience, or selecting a jar, a ribbon, or a fragrance profile, the question is the same: Does this align with the heart of the work?

That heart, in my world, has always been fundraising — not as a transaction, but as a relationship. An event cannot stand if the foundation beneath it is weak. And that foundation is built through trust, clarity, respect, and a deep understanding of the people who make the mission possible.

Refinement allows for a high-touch approach without becoming high-maintenance.
It honors complexity without creating confusion.
It elevates without alienating.

This same philosophy informs The Gathering Table Luxury Edit — a quieter, more experiential expression of how I choose to move through the world. Each curated piece becomes a metaphor for presence, alignment, and elegance without excess. Not as a standard to meet, but as an invitation to notice how intention shapes experience.

Refinement is not about who we are expected to be.
It is about coherence — between our values, our work, and how we show up.

So as the week winds down, consider this:

What refined choice can you make — not to impress, but to align?
Not to perform, but to honor what matters most?

Sometimes, the smallest decisions carry the greatest clarity.

Monique

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Help Wanted — The Art of Asking (and Receiving)

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Today on the Event Strategies for Success blog, our consulting partner Lynette Battle returns with a timely reflection for the fall season — “The Art of Asking (and Receiving) Help.”

The right kind of help can be the bridge between challenge and clarity — or the connection that carries us from uncertainty to confidence. Whether it comes through a trusted mentor, a thoughtful colleague, or a timely resource, help done well doesn’t just solve problems; it strengthens relationships.

Lynette reminds us that in nonprofit work — and in life — help is a beautiful thing, but clarity matters. Read more to explore how to reach out, ask with intention, and receive with grace when the moment calls.

Dear Colleagues,

Working in nonprofit spaces teaches you a lot about the art of asking for help. It’s part of the territory. Whether it’s for volunteers, donations, partnerships, or a last-minute save at an event — calls for help are constant. And like many of you, when I feel compelled, I show up. No fanfare, no strings. I roll up my sleeves and get to work. That’s just who I am. And I know I’m not alone.

Most people who step up to help do so from a place of genuine spirit. When they feel called, they answer — bringing with them their time, talent, and whatever resources they can muster. It’s one of the most beautiful things about humanity: when the spirit moves, we move.

But there’s an important lesson, one that bears repeating for anyone — especially those in leadership roles:
When you ask for help, be clear about what help looks like.

Too often, someone responds to a call for help with everything they have — only to be met with disappointment, frustration, or even blame because it wasn’t “the right kind” of help.  Maybe they donated time when you wanted money. Maybe they offered advice when you wanted action. Maybe they showed up differently than you envisioned.

Here’s the hard truth:
If you don’t define the ask clearly, you can’t fault someone for how they show up.

This isn’t just a nonprofit thing — it’s a life thing. In business, in friendship, in everyday moments — clarity matters. When help is vague, expectations go unmet. And when people who genuinely want to support feel criticized, it doesn’t just sting — it sticks. Some may walk away defeated, others angry, and sadly, some may decide not to step up again at all.

So, if you’re making the call:

  • Be specific about what you need.
  • Be clear about the deliverable.
  • Be honest about the timeline.
  • And be gracious, even if what someone offers looks different than you envisioned.

Because sometimes, the best help isn’t exactly what you imagined — but it’s exactly what you needed.

Help is a gift. Treat it like one. And when you ask, honor the hands that are willing to reach out and lift you up.

To download this infographic, please click below.

Infographic – The Art of Asking for Help v 3Download

Tips to Master the Art of Asking for Help

(1) Be Specific with Your Ask

Vagueness is the enemy of progress. Saying “I need help with my event” is too broad. Say instead: “I’m looking for someone to help manage registration from 10 AM to 12 PM. Can you take that on?”

Why it matters:
People are more likely to say yes when they know exactly what’s needed.

(2) Be Honest About What You Really Need

Are you looking for time, money, a skill, a connection, or simply a listening ear? Don’t sugarcoat the ask. “I need someone to review this grant with me — not just moral support, but actual line-by-line edits.”

Why it matters:
Misalignment between what’s asked and what’s delivered can lead to tension or disappointment.

(3) Understand Capacity Before Assuming Capability

Not everyone who wants to help can help in the way you envision. Ask with flexibility and empathy. “If you don’t have time to volunteer, would you be open to making an introduction to someone else?”

Why it matters:
You honor the relationship and expand your network at the same time.

(4) Say What Help Isn’t

Sometimes it’s just as helpful to say, “I don’t need you to donate — I need you to repost this campaign,” or “I’m not looking for advice, just a listening ear.”

Why it matters:
It keeps everyone on the same page and avoids well-meaning but unhelpful actions.

(5) Don’t Micromanage Generosity

If someone shows up in good faith, receive their help with grace — even if it’s not exactly your way. If it’s off-track, redirect kindly and early. “Thank you so much — this is great. Would you mind adjusting XYZ to better align with what we’re aiming for?”

Why it matters:
How you treat people after they say yes determines if they’ll say yes again.

(6) Express Gratitude Publicly and Privately

Whether someone helped a little or a lot — recognize it. Send the thank you. Tag them in the post. Mention their name in the room.

Why it matters:
Appreciation builds a culture where people feel safe and want to help again.

(7) Reflect Before You Request Again

After each ask, take time to reflect: Was I clear? Did I respect people’s time? Did I accept help with humility? This builds your reputation as someone who leads with integrity.

Why it matters:
Sustainable support is built on trust and clarity, not just urgency.

Please remember, we are here to support you on your fundraising journey. Also please download the infographic and keep it handy! Here’s to your success!

In Community,
Lynette Battle

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Breaking the Barriers: Overcoming the Nonprofit Overhead Myth for Greater Impact

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Here at Event Strategies For Success, we frequently encounter the challenging ‘overhead myth’ in our work within the nonprofit sector. This myth, deeply entrenched in the assessment and support of organizations, originates from the ‘overhead ratio’ concept. This ratio compares a nonprofit’s budget allocation for administrative and operational costs, such as rent, utilities, and salaries, against its direct program expenses.

Historically, a low overhead ratio has been synonymous with nimbleness and effectiveness in the eyes of funders, rewarding such organizations for perceived “efficiency.” However, this view overlooks the complexities of nonprofit operations, especially for those serving underrepresented communities. Organizations deemed more “efficient” often benefit from robust revenue streams and in-kind support, such as reduced office space costs or endowed positions, which are not typically available to community-based nonprofits.

Many local organizations, particularly those serving the most vulnerable, navigate a different fundraising landscape. Their financial support often relies on government grants, limited corporate funding, and a significant focus on special events to meet various needs.

Funders’ adherence to the overhead myth fails to acknowledge the true nature of running a nonprofit. Delivering high-quality services necessitates significant investment in infrastructure, skilled staff, and operational support—factors essential for success but categorized as overhead. This misperception leads to several adverse outcomes:

  • Underfunding: Nonprofits struggling to secure sufficient resources often need help to scale or sustain their impact effectively.
  • Compromised Quality: To maintain a low overhead ratio, nonprofits may compromise program delivery due to overhead. As a result, critical areas may be underfunded, diminishing the quality of services offered.
  • Staff Retention Challenges: The emphasis on minimizing overhead can result in inadequate staff compensation and support, contributing to high turnover rates among capable employees.

Recognizing these issues, leading nonprofit authorities such as GuideStar (now part of Candid), the BBB, and Charity Navigator have long opposed using the overhead ratio as the primary measure of a nonprofit’s effectiveness. Their 2013 joint statement was a pivotal call to action, urging a more comprehensive approach to evaluating nonprofits.

Parting Thoughts

At Event Strategies For Success, while we recognize the necessity of prudent financial management, we also firmly believe that effective operation frequently necessitates reasonable overhead expenses. Adopting a nuanced perspective that appreciates the complexities of nonprofit management is essential for these organizations to achieve their missions and generate substantial impact.

In this context, I want to share a thought-provoking TED Talk by Dan Pallotta. He challenges traditional views on nonprofit operations and advocates for a paradigm shift from minimizing overhead to maximizing impact. Pallotta’s perspective aligns with our mission at Event Strategies For Success, where we strive to amplify our clients’ impact locally and globally. This talk prompts us to ponder our aspirations and resource allocation and redefine success to reflect the true essence of our transformative work.

I invite you to watch this inspiring talk and join us in rethinking how we approach funding and support for nonprofits, ensuring more effective outcomes for the communities they serve.

Fondly,

Monique

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