The strength of nonprofits rests on their adaptability. Sussman examines the core capacities and strategies that build and sustain adaptive organizations.

Conflict and creative tension are key parts of organizational existence, but what is a leader to do when the situation becomes toxic?

Recent foundation scandals involve a small fraction of grantmakers, but all will be hurt unless trustees demand the highest possible standards of themselves.

Hewlett Foundation’s Paul Brest asserts that clear causal models are the key to successful strategies for nonprofits. He asks for feedback—what is your experience?

While many boards have comprehensive legal authority and little real influence over their organizations, a merged Women’s College Hospital found itself with reduced legal authority—yet was increasingly able to promote the organization’s original mission.

Turning the typical board recruiting tactic “We need you on our board, but promise it won’t take much time” on its head, Rosie’s Place only considers board members who have recently and consistently volunteered in daily programs and services.

What encourages nonprofits to attempt innovation in governance in the first place?

Afraid that the traditional downtown board would be good for fundraising but bad for its mission, Center Against Spouse Abuse tries both: Donors join a funding board, leaving the board of directors free to govern.

A brief orientation to the Governance Futures research findings in the quest to discover alternate approaches to governance.

Concerned more about the right board practice for the pressing challenges it was facing, Albany Medical Center merged its CEO and chairman roles—and may be ready, as times change again, to divide them once more.

The misuse of calling the question--a protocol within Robert’s Rules of Order--is a disservice to deliberative thinking and democratic principles.

A glimpse into the way five organizations are weathering the current stormy funding environment and gaining a bit of strategy. Stay tuned: we’ll check in six months hence and see how they’re doing.