Blog

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Welcome, friends, to the new era of the nonprofit sector, where the phrase “business as usual” is a relic of a bygone time, a quaint notion whispered by those who still think a physical Rolodex is a viable contact management system. We’ve entered a landscape […]

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network In the high-stakes, caffeine-fueled world of nonprofit development, stories of near-misses and epic fails are whispered like ghost stories around a campfire. We laugh, we cringe, and we learn. One such tale involves a development director named Brenda, a true hero of the small-but-mighty nonprofit

Transform Your Nonprofit’s Future! Ready to supercharge your board’s effectiveness and create a powerhouse of collaboration? Tennessee Nonprofit Network, in partnership with the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, is thrilled to launch the BoardBuild Board Governance Cohort. This is a four-month journey designed to give CEOs like you the tools to lead with confidence and

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network I once had lunch with a new nonprofit CEO at the recommendation of a well-meaning foundation leader. I’ll admit, the moment he sat down, I was immediately put off. His demeanor, what he said, and especially how he said it, all screamed “I am very

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network In family therapy circles, there’s a well-worn tale about the “Family System.” It’s a complex, often bizarre, contraption of emotions, unspoken rules, and deeply ingrained habits. In this system, one child, the scapegoat, is unknowingly designated to carry the burden of the family’s unaddressed problems.

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network The call came in during a busy week. A local political candidate, full of enthusiasm, wanted to partner with our organization. Their campaign manager laid out an exciting proposal: a book drive co-hosted by the candidate, a speaking opportunity at one of our flagship community

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Every year at our conference, my colleagues and I eagerly await the participant feedback surveys. The moment they roll in, it feels like Christmas morning. Last year was no exception—we had a trove of incredible comments. “Best conference yet!” one person wrote. “The sessions were

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network The summer sun beats down on Pigeon Forge, a vibrant, chaotic symphony of mini-golf windmills and the dulcet tones of dueling banjos. My friends and I are at The Island, an entertainment complex that feels like a fever dream of shops, restaurants, and attractions all

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network Costs are rising for nonprofits everywhere. Tariffs, inflation, and declining consumer confidence are yet another blow for struggling nonprofits who are already facing federal grant cuts, flatlining individual giving, and lower volunteer rates. Even in this challenging climate, however, providing employee benefits is an important

by Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network As the President & CEO of Tennessee Nonprofit Network, my relationship with funders is always going to be complicated. On one hand, I have immense respect for the crucial role they play in our ecosystem, providing the resources that power our work across the state.