If your nonprofit only works because one person is holding it together, it doesn’t actually work. This column takes aim at the heroic leadership myth and the hidden costs it creates: burnout, stalled teams, board dependency, and organizational fragility. It reframes resilience as an institutional design challenge—not a test of executive endurance—and examines how boards and funders often reward overfunctioning instead of sustainability.

This column provides timely, research-driven analysis from democracy experts on why protecting American democracy requires protecting civil society, and how nonprofits can navigate this moment, stand in solidarity together, and continue our mission-oriented work.

What gives us reason to believe in these difficult times for our democracy? Joe’s column lifts up hope and bright spots—drawing attention to forward movement and the tangible signs of progress being made toward a democracy that enables all people to thrive and pursue their dreams.

Through personal reflections from her leadership journey and stories shared by nonprofit leaders across the field, Nineequa examines what it takes to sustain ourselves, our organizations, and our communities—and how bite-sized practices can spark ripple effects beyond our imagination.

Inside the States provides a clear-eyed look at the policy dynamics unfolding under state capitol domes. Blending emerging trends, behind-the-scenes context, and stories of cross-sector collaboration, this column equips nonprofit leaders to engage strategically in the state-level arena where so much of our civic future is being decided.

A hyperlocal view from a blue city in a red state as nonprofits navigate the retreat of the federal government.

This column offers a candid, narrative-driven look at the unseen mechanics, inherited myths, and emerging possibilities within philanthropy and wealth work. Through stories, analysis, and movement-grounded observations, Sadé Dozan examines how resources flow—or fail to flow—through our social change ecosystems, and what that reveals about power, belonging, and democracy. Each installment pulls from real-world practice across movements, funders, and resource leaders, illuminating how narratives shape funding decisions, how inequities become operationalized, and how communities are building alternative models of trust and accountability.

Welcome to “Ask a Nonprofit Expert,” our sector’s go-to advice column for the toughest nonprofit challenges. Read personalized advice from seasoned field leaders who have built thriving, equitable, justice-centered organizations. 

As a special benefit, our Leading Edge members can submit anonymous questions. We’ll publish answers to common questions to strengthen our entire community’s capacity. 

Ask Rhea! is a monthly fundraising advice column for nonprofit sector leaders, boards, and workers struggling to make their work sustainable. Rhea Wong is a fundraising expert, professional coach, the author of Get That Money, Honey!, and host of the Nonprofit Lowdown podcast. 

Since 2019, Economy Remix at NPQ, authored by senior editor of economic justice Steve Dubb, has highlighted community-based democratic economic practices, while also demystifying mainstream practices. In this column, you’ll learn about everything from public banking to community land trusts to employee ownership, and more.

Gathering in Support of Democracy is a column exploring the essential connections between gathering, community, and democracy building. Because a strong democracy requires strong connections—and also, strong friendships. Venu Gupta is the CEO and founder of Solidarity Futures. She has been energized by the power of collective action since high school. 

From AI to data privacy, The Impact Algorithm offers bold, practical insights on how nonprofits can use technology responsibly and effectively. Afua Bruce, an engineer and data ethics leader, shares tools and strategies to help mission-driven organizations innovate with integrity.