Get In Touch

Tag: nonprofit

Use your words.

“Great leaders must have two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate that vision clearly.” Simon Sinek Communication is a basic element of your success. Think about your heroes. What do they all have in common? They speak, they tell stories, they get your attention through […]

Onboarding: An Action Plan for Nonprofit Success

Every employee and volunteer has potential to contribute to your organization’s growth. It’s up to you to show them the possibilities. Creating a culture of sharing, storytelling, teambuilding, and connection will build an organization for the future.

Lessons from the lectern, becoming a great speaker

I’ve made every public speaking mistake. At one big event, I forget the words I had memorized and stood there like a dummy with my mouth open and nothing coming out. Embarrassing! I’ve been boring, talked too fast, and read every word. It took practice to get better. I had to take chances, get honest […]

Communication: 4 reasons it matters today

Building an organization of communicators is more urgent every day. There has never been more urgency for nonprofits to step up their communications. Each and every employee and volunteer should be empowered to speak for the vision and mission of the organization. Why now? Here are four reasons why it matters every day in 2022 […]

Leader @ the Center

I loved Suzi the first time I met her. She was a new employee and the youngest person in the room. Yet, there was something about her. Wherever she was things were happening. As I worked with her on several different projects, I began to see what it was that made her so special. Suzi […]

Step 1: Be a Great Conversation Starter

Think about your heroes. What do they all have in common? They talk, they tell stories, they get your attention through words. Communication is the basic element of all success. Throughout history our most respected and memorable heroes are great orators, or great writers, or both. Whether they are founders, philosophers, politicians, scientists, leaders in […]

Great Nonprofit Leaders Tell Stories, Here’s Your Secret Formula

Stories are magical. Everyone is hard-wired for stories, you enjoy them, you are influenced by them, and you react to them. When you become a great storyteller (and I’m about to give you the secret formula), you get more of what you want. Nonprofits have many stories to share. In fact, you are making new […]

Nonprofit Communication: 7 everyday habits

Nonprofit organizations are built on connections. But where do these connections start? Often with a chance conversation. Liz Larsen directs Project BEE, an anti-poverty organization that runs an emergency shelter. Plans for a new building were well underway in November when a Facebook exchange led to a big gift. Like many of us working in […]

A Letter to Brittany

Dear Brittany: Congratulations on your new job. Today is the beginning of an opportunity and a challenge for you. The good news is there has never been a better time to work for a nonprofit. You are so creative! I bet that showed in your interviews. You have ideas and experiences that will help the […]

Our Testimonials

“With Sparkle!, Merle Benny has distilled decades of her experience and observations with non-profits into a powerful and accessible guidebook to help non-profit organizations thrive and shine. This book will help many organizations and leaders in their path to optimal success.”
Kalpana Bhandarkar
Kalpana BhandarkarPrincipal, Spring Bhee Advisory
“Merle Benny's wisdom, enthusiasm, and practical approach to captivating hearts and minds makes Sparkle! essential reading for every nonprofit leader, no matter the size or scale of their organization.”
Frank Abdale
Frank AbdaleAbdale Consulting, LLC
“Sparkle! is an essential guide for any organization looking to amplify its impact. It shows us how fully engaged employees and board members, who deeply understand and believe in the organization's vision, can become powerful advocates, driving growth and success. Perfect for leaders seeking to cultivate a motivated team that shares and spreads their mission for a better world.”
Jasmine Garcia
Jasmine GarciaForest Trends
“Stories and communication is the very core of every successful venture. Step by step this book shows how this is done. As it's easy to follow and apply the teaching. This book will be an essential tool for all the nonprofits who want to make an impact and succeed in making the world a better place!”
Åsa Rydhard, MACA
Åsa Rydhard, MACA Biz Storytelling Expert, rydhard.com
"Sparkle! is fantastic. This isn't one of those books that tells you what you already know. It gives you great ideas for growing and explains how to apply them. Just the section on storytelling alone is worth getting this book!”
Shane Hoffman
Shane HoffmanCreative Clay
“Having worked and taught alongside Merle for several years, I was happy to see this little book that reflects her smart, fun style. It is an informative and useful guide for nonprofit organizations, as well as consultants serving the nonprofit sector.”
Maria Badali
Maria BadaliArkle Consulting Group
“Merle Benny shines as a passionate changemaker in the nonprofit world. In Sparkle!, she shares invaluable insights for achieving nonprofit excellence, offering a treasure trove of clear, compelling messaging that resonates and inspires. Especially valuable in these challenging times, this book equips you with the skills and mindset to become an impactful leader and a beacon of light in the sector.”
Bruce Arbit, MPA, CFRE
Bruce Arbit, MPA, CFREPresident. Mission Impact Advisors

Get Your Weekly SPARK

“The email I look forward to reading”

Merle delivers inspiration to your in-box every Tuesday morning. Each issue packs practical tips, an action item, and a bit of fun! You’ll meet a Sparkler (a nonprofit hero like you!) making a difference in this world. One weekly email packed with the tools and inspiration you need to create a bigger, better organization..

Free Mini Book The Secret is Out: A Wake-Up Call to Nonprofits