Sheryl Foster
@getimpact.bsky.social
Helping nonprofits turn big visions into real results through strategy, research & evaluation. And maybe snacks. No mission drift here. Substack: esherylaccount.substack.com
If your board book could double as a doorstop, it’s not a tool. It’s a prop.
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
August 28, 2025 at 3:36 PM
If your board book could double as a doorstop, it’s not a tool. It’s a prop.
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Boards exist to govern, not admire dashboards.
👉 Focus beats volume: https://esherylaccount.substack.com/p/focus-beats-volume?r=5rxpmj
Glossy reports. Perfect charts. No real learning.
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
August 12, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Glossy reports. Perfect charts. No real learning.
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
That’s not evaluation. That’s theater.
Here’s how to make it useful again → https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/when-evaluation-is-a-performance?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Not all data is good data.
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
August 4, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Not all data is good data.
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
Especially when no one’s using it.
Here are 3 ways to measure what matters—without burying your team in busywork:
🔗 https://open.substack.com/pub/esherylaccount/p/3-ways-to-measure-what-really-matters?r=5rxpmj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
#No
H.R. 1 isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a strategy stress test.
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
July 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
H.R. 1 isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a strategy stress test.
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Higher demand. Fewer resources. More compliance risk.
Nonprofits need to be ready. Now.
📝https://substack.com/home/post/p-168424168
#NonprofitStrategy #MissionInMotion #HR1
Evaluation doesn’t have to be 100 pages.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
July 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Evaluation doesn’t have to be 100 pages.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
Sometimes it's a conversation with the right people, asking the right questions.
Keep it useful.
What nonprofits miss when they skip evaluation:
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
July 6, 2025 at 9:04 PM
What nonprofits miss when they skip evaluation:
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
– Lessons from failure
– Momentum from progress
– A story funders want to hear
#NonprofitImpact #LearningOrganizations
If your evaluation ends with a report that no one reads, it's not evaluation, it's paperwork.
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
July 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
If your evaluation ends with a report that no one reads, it's not evaluation, it's paperwork.
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
#NonprofitLeadership #EvaluationMatters
Your strategic plan shouldn’t sit on a shelf.
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
June 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Your strategic plan shouldn’t sit on a shelf.
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
It should live in your meetings, your budget, and your decisions.
If it’s collecting dust, it’s time to refresh. #StrategyInAction #NonprofitLeadership
Strategic planning = investing time today to save time tomorrow.
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
June 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Strategic planning = investing time today to save time tomorrow.
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
It keeps your nonprofit from chasing distractions and aligns everyone behind what truly matters. #PlanWithPurpose
A clear mission is the heartbeat of every solid strategic plan.
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
June 23, 2025 at 7:23 PM
A clear mission is the heartbeat of every solid strategic plan.
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
If your mission is fuzzy, your plan will be too.
Start with clarity.
#VisionDrivenResults #NonprofitPlanning
1/ 🧵 Strategic plans shouldn’t collect dust.
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
June 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
1/ 🧵 Strategic plans shouldn’t collect dust.
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
If you’ve ever said:
• “We have a plan, but no one looks at it.”
• “It’s sitting on a shelf.”
• “Our plan was great… 3 years ago.”
You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. ⬇️
💬 3 questions every nonprofit should ask before planning:
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
June 16, 2025 at 9:50 PM
💬 3 questions every nonprofit should ask before planning:
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
What’s changed since our last plan?
What do we want to achieve next?
Who needs to be at the table?
#StrategicThinking #NonprofitBoard
Strategic planning isn’t for when things are calm—it’s for when things are changing.
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
June 12, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Strategic planning isn’t for when things are calm—it’s for when things are changing.
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
It’s your anchor in uncertainty and your map for growth. 📍 #NonprofitResilience #StrategicPlanning
💡 Pro tip: Start strategic planning with readiness.
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist.pdf
tinyurl.com
June 10, 2025 at 8:25 PM
💡 Pro tip: Start strategic planning with readiness.
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Ask: Are we aligned on vision? Do we have capacity? Can we commit the time?
If not, you’re not planning—you’re guessing.
Download my free strategic planning readiness checklist:
👉https://tinyurl.com/Strategic-Plan-Checklist
#NonprofitStrategy
Is your strategic plan actually guiding decisions?
Download our 2-minute Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist ✅
👉 tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
#NonprofitConsulting #VisionDriven
Download our 2-minute Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist ✅
👉 tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
#NonprofitConsulting #VisionDriven
Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist.pdf
tinyurl.com
June 9, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Is your strategic plan actually guiding decisions?
Download our 2-minute Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist ✅
👉 tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
#NonprofitConsulting #VisionDriven
Download our 2-minute Strategic Planning Readiness Checklist ✅
👉 tinyurl.com/Strategic-Pl...
#NonprofitConsulting #VisionDriven
🚨 Does your nonprofit have a plan, or just a calendar of events?
Strategic planning aligns your mission, resources, and vision for real impact. #MissionDriven #NonprofitStrategy
Strategic planning aligns your mission, resources, and vision for real impact. #MissionDriven #NonprofitStrategy
June 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
🚨 Does your nonprofit have a plan, or just a calendar of events?
Strategic planning aligns your mission, resources, and vision for real impact. #MissionDriven #NonprofitStrategy
Strategic planning aligns your mission, resources, and vision for real impact. #MissionDriven #NonprofitStrategy
Strategic planning isn’t just a document—it’s a decision-making compass. 🎯
Nonprofits that pause to assess their direction are better equipped to lead with purpose. #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
Nonprofits that pause to assess their direction are better equipped to lead with purpose. #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
June 5, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Strategic planning isn’t just a document—it’s a decision-making compass. 🎯
Nonprofits that pause to assess their direction are better equipped to lead with purpose. #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
Nonprofits that pause to assess their direction are better equipped to lead with purpose. #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
Fewer than half of nonprofit boards engage deeply in strategic oversight, with just 42% participating in mission-focused planning activities. That’s fixable.
#BoardGovernance #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
#BoardGovernance #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
June 4, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Fewer than half of nonprofit boards engage deeply in strategic oversight, with just 42% participating in mission-focused planning activities. That’s fixable.
#BoardGovernance #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
#BoardGovernance #NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
June 3, 2025 at 7:50 PM
💡Strategic Plan Tip:
If your board can’t name your top 3 priorities, your plan is too vague.
Keep it focused. Keep it real.
#NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
If your board can’t name your top 3 priorities, your plan is too vague.
Keep it focused. Keep it real.
#NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
June 2, 2025 at 9:25 PM
💡Strategic Plan Tip:
If your board can’t name your top 3 priorities, your plan is too vague.
Keep it focused. Keep it real.
#NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning
If your board can’t name your top 3 priorities, your plan is too vague.
Keep it focused. Keep it real.
#NonprofitLeadership #StrategicPlanning