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FOUNDATION LOGIC,LLC.

For Organizations Seeking:
*Foundational principles of excellence
*Logical analysis of systems
*Pathways to performance
*Mission accomplishment!

TESTIMONIAL

With Mary Jane’s expert guidance and recommendations, we were able to launch our passion project into a recognized 501c3 non-profit that has tremendous potential for success. She has played a key role in our formation, fundraising, networking, and has helped us to create a model that is both functional and still keeps our mission at the center. Her extensive knowledge and keen awareness of proper non-profit practices have been instrumental in the rapid growth of our organization. Mary Jane has a gift for finding the balance between passion and practicality when it comes to the longevity and achievements of an organization. Her experience, credibility, and dedication would be an asset to any organization lucky enough to glean from her wisdom.

Chrystal Smith
Founder/Executive Director, Foster Village Inc.
Foundation Logic

 

When Threats are Opportunities

by | January 15, 2021 | SWOT Analysis | 0 Comments

In a SWOT analysis (of Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) nonprofit board members and staff participants brainstorm about both internal realities of their organization and existent or potential external factors. To the extent that change can be anticipated,...
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Relational Fundraising

by | November 13, 2020 | Fundraising | 0 Comments

As the pandemic marches forward, we can find silver linings for the nonprofit sector, especially for those organizations already investing time in cultivating relationships. Slow and steady wins the race, as board members, staff, and volunteers engage in authentic...
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Pandemic Paradigm Strategic Planning

by | September 9, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

While the country has pressed pause on so many things, perhaps this is actually a great time to rethink strategic planning. Some reasons: Pre-pandemic life was moving at such an accelerated pace that a five-year plan seemed ancient by year three; The time investment...
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All Board Hands on Deck

by | July 6, 2020 | Uncategorized | 2 Comments

In times of crisis, human nature is to retreat and reassess, which is exacerbated by a pandemic that restricts physical gatherings. Even when adverse impacts are minimal for a given individual, disruption of routines can cause one to press pause on voluntary...
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Capacity Building in a Crisis

by | May 5, 2020 | Capacity Building | 0 Comments

Many solid articles from the past few months address how nonprofits can and should respond in a crisis. As nonprofits scramble to rethink fundraising events, apply for loans, engage board and major stakeholders through online meetings and phone calls, handle direct...
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Preparation-Trust Connection

by | February 25, 2020 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

You must maintain the trust of your donors, which takes devoted time and attention. Nonprofits doing great work can be understandably laser-focused on meeting current needs for mission accomplishment as well as anticipating future needs. Decisions and pivots made in...
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Own Your Message

by | December 17, 2019 | Own Your Message | 0 Comments

In the world of philanthropy, all participants must own their message. Whether a nonprofit organization, a philanthropic donor, or a business with a budget for giving, all must understand and internalize their own logic model and develop appropriate messaging. What is...
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Navigating Tax Law Aftermath

by | October 19, 2019 | Tax Law | 0 Comments

As nonprofit organizations look to end of tax year giving campaigns, whether an annual campaign or participating in an umbrella effort (e.g., “I live here, I give here”) it is prudent to take stock of donor giving history.  Effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017...
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Personal Connections

by | August 27, 2019 | Personal Connections | 0 Comments

Stakeholders—from donors to service recipients to volunteers—have increasingly come to expect a more personal connection. While the nonprofit sector has made significant strides in the past decade, there still is insufficient attention to the personalization theme,...
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Leveraging Linkages

by | July 5, 2019 | Linkages | 0 Comments

A foundational marketing principle that tends to get lost in the bells and whistles of technological advances is the concept of personally identifying and developing ever-widening circles of potential support. This unfortunate yet easily corrected oversight on the...
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Be an Expert in Your Field

by | May 18, 2019 | Continued Learning | 0 Comments

Typically, a nonprofit is birthed because a group of passionate people believes it can fill a societal void. That passion and infusion of time and talent will carry a nonprofit quite far through the infancy stage. However, the context for the nonprofit sector is...
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Nonprofit Life Cycle

by | March 19, 2019 | Nonprofit Life Cycle | 0 Comments

There are over 1.5 million nonprofits registered with the IRS and each one is functioning in a different phase of its life cycle. Each would benefit from analyzing foundational principles associated with its current chapter. Too often, multiple spinning plates of...
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Logic Models

by | January 2, 2019 | Logic Models | 0 Comments

Logic Models used to be a discussion for academia, or for larger foundations. Now, the term is used across sectors and sizes of organizations. The diffusion is an excellent sign of the times, as Logic Model development will strengthen every single aspect of an...
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Power of a Cohesive Board

by | October 8, 2018 | Board | 0 Comments

While it seems commonsensical that a cohesive board is more effective than a board that is not, the term is both misunderstood and not given the weight warranted in the nonprofit sector. Cohesion is often mischaracterized as unified in perspective, with thoughts in...
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Fundraising: Preparation & Presentation

by | July 30, 2018 | Fundraising | 0 Comments

July launched a new fiscal year for many nonprofits. Hopefully, plans have been formulated about how to approach fundraising for the next year, including benefit packages, goals, and communication strategies. One reason why consultants can be helpful for facilitating...
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Strategic Planning—Seeing the Forest and the Trees

by | June 1, 2018 | Strategic Planning | 0 Comments

Life is so busy. Why should a group of professionals, already volunteering their time as board members, dedicate an entire day to strategic planning? A block of time is needed for big-picture, roll-up-your-sleeves brainstorming that allows everyone to see the forest...
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TRUST is the Lifeblood of the Nonprofit Sector

by | March 29, 2018 | Nonprofit Sector | 0 Comments

The mantra that trust is the “lifeblood” of the nonprofit sector has been consistent through the last few decades. There are many facets to this trust and if one of them is breached, then all of them might as well have been breached. The damage is done. As previously...
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The Tax Code Changed—Now What?

by | January 29, 2018 | Tax Code Change | 0 Comments

As predicted in late fall 2017, the changes to the US tax code are substantial and the nonprofit sector is significantly impacted. The National Council of Nonprofits has a helpful checklist to apprise nonprofit organizations of the largest issues of which they need to...
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Charitable Giving: Measures of Confidence?

by | November 30, 2017 | Charitable Giving | 0 Comments

The end of a calendar year is a time of increased focus on charitable giving as well as planning for the upcoming fiscal year. When a donor’s primary objective is leveraging donations for the greatest benefit, rather than simply a tax deduction, research...
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When To Pay For Expertise

by | September 27, 2017 | Paying | 0 Comments

When to Pay for Expertise? Despite the quest to keep operating expenses low, it is often best to avoid the inherent risk of utilizing key services of companies/individuals who are not licensed in their field. Time, expense, and even litigation can result from...
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Volunteers: Leverage Motivations

by | July 29, 2017 | Volunteers | 0 Comments

For many nonprofit organizations, assistance from volunteers is critical to mission achievement. Whether the need is sheer manpower or expert knowledge and advice or creativity, unpaid labor is invaluable. Not only does volunteer assistance allow a nonprofit to keep...
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Changing Standard Operating Procedures–Proficiency or Peril?

by | May 31, 2017 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

If you spend much time on professional media platforms you are likely to see the oft-quoted declaration, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘we’ve always done it this way’,” attributed to Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. Frequently, this contention is made within...
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Marketing Audits

by | March 27, 2017 | Marketing Audits | 0 Comments

Marketing used to be a controversial idea for nonprofits and it is remarkable the degree to which marketing is not embraced today.  The primary concern seems to be diverting dollars away from direct services. Other criticisms of marketing in the nonprofit sector are...
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Lobbying

by | January 17, 2017 | Lobbying | 0 Comments

Advocacy Demystified Since the 85th Legislative Session began last week in Texas, now is the perfect time for a reminder to nonprofits to not be fearful of “lobbying” for your cause. There is a pervasive misconception that nonprofits must stick to service provision...
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SWOT Analysis: Timelessly Effective

by | November 1, 2016 | SWOT Analysis | 0 Comments

Ideally, an analysis of your organization’s internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats (SWOT Analysis) is conducted as part of a larger Strategic Planning process. Strategic Planning is critical for the most effective and efficient...
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Do you know your donors, whether they have given money yet or not?

by | September 17, 2016 | Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Often funds go begging for a recipient organization because prospective donors are not convinced that they should give. People give for very different reasons yet donors are often treated like they “should” give simply because the nonprofit is worthy. Think about...
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Capacity Building

by | August 29, 2016 | Building Capacity | 1 Comment

Do you remember raising your hand in school when there was something you did not understand? For most, asking those questions did not come easily as there is a very common fear that others in the room already understand what you do not. As any collegiate instructor...
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