At ZIM, 2025 was a year full of growth, deep client partnerships, new services, and hard conversations about the complex challenges our nonprofit community is facing right now. We worked with organizations navigating leadership transitions, funding cliffs, board challenges, staff burnout, and an increasingly unpredictable funding landscape. Here are our resolutions for how we want to show up in 2026. Resolution #1: Continue to be deeply responsive to what nonprofits are actua

The start of a new year offers nonprofits a powerful moment to reset. As ZIM reflects on the tools and resources shared through this year’s blog series, one clear theme continues to rise to the top. Organizations that thrive are the ones that invest in their foundation before the pace of the year accelerates. This season is an opportunity to reflect on what has been built, where challenges surfaced, and what systems need strengthening before new goals take shape. A strong sta

For many organizations, stepping away from daily responsibilities can feel impossible. With packed calendars, limited staff capacity, and urgent program needs, taking a full day, or more, for a retreat may seem like a luxury. In reality, intentional time together is one of the most strategic investments an organization can make in its people, culture, and long-term effectiveness. Recently, our team held a two-day staff retreat as a dedicated space for connection, learning, an

For nonprofits, the final stretch of the year is one of the most critical fundraising seasons. Between Giving Tuesday, Colorado Gives Day, and the generosity that naturally accompanies the holidays, this period can determine whether organizations meet or exceed their annual fundraising goals. Beyond raising dollars, year-end giving provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with individual donors, strengthen relationships, and set the stage for growth in the coming year.

Why This Matters Big changes in federal tax law and grantmaking are shaking up the nonprofit sector. ZIM has tracked these shifts and...

Each year I reflect on another year of ZIM. On September 15, ZIM Consulting will turn 19 years old. I could spend this entire blog...

Winning a grant is cause for celebration. It reflects the strength of your programs, the clarity of your mission, and the dedication of...

A well-built development plan serves as a blueprint, detailing where funding will come from, who will be responsible for each task, and...

Having a clear message is foundational to effective fundraising. Whether you are applying for a competitive grant, hosting a donor...