What does 20 years of non-profit consulting in British Columbia look like? For HIP Strategic Non-Profit Consulting, it’s been a journey of strategic planning, community engagement, collaboration and organizational development—all rooted in helping non-profits and communities thrive. Along the way, the work evolved, but the purpose stayed strong. What becomes possible when you build a career around the work that matters most to you?

When everything feels important, how do non-profit leaders decide what comes first? The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple priority-setting tool that helps Executive Directors balance urgent demands with strategic planning, leadership, delegation and organizational development. Because being busy isn’t always the same as moving your mission forward. What important work keeps getting pushed aside because something “urgent” always comes first?

COVID-19 tested non-profit leadership, crisis management and organizational resilience in ways few could have predicted. Boards and Executive Directors faced difficult decisions about staffing, finances, service delivery and long-term sustainability—while still supporting their communities. The lessons remain relevant for non-profits preparing for future uncertainty. If your organization faced a major crisis tomorrow, would you be ready to respond—and recover?

Great non-profit storytelling doesn’t start with perfect words—it starts by getting your ideas onto the page. Whether you’re writing for fundraising, grant writing, social media or non-profit marketing, a strong story can help people understand your impact and inspire action. The secret is to write, edit, test and refine until your message connects. Are your stories simply sharing what you do—or making people care about why it matters?

Great non-profit storytelling doesn’t need a big budget or communications team. With accessible digital storytelling tools, non-profits can turn impact stories into engaging graphics, videos and social media content that build awareness and connect people to their mission. The challenge isn’t finding the tools—it’s using them to tell stories that matter. Is your non-profit simply sharing information, or creating stories people will remember?

Non-profit storytelling can show funders, donors and communities the impact of your work—but protecting client confidentiality and consent must come first. From past-client stories and testimonials to infographics and community initiatives, non-profits can share meaningful impact stories without compromising privacy. It takes intention, creativity and trust. Are you telling powerful stories about your impact without putting the people you serve at risk?

Successful non-profit grant writing is about more than a strong funding application. Combining data, impact storytelling and funder relationships helps non-profits demonstrate results, build trust and open doors to future funding opportunities. The strongest relationships are built long before—and continue long after—the grant is submitted. If your next grant application disappeared tomorrow, would your funders still know the value and impact of your work?

Non-profit strategic planning is about more than creating a plan. Strong interest holder engagement, honest conversations, clear action planning and regular progress reviews help Boards and Executive Directors turn strategy into meaningful results. The strategic plan should become a living tool that guides decisions, accountability and organizational growth. Is your strategic plan actively guiding your organization—or gathering dust on a shelf?

For busy non-profit leaders, networking can feel like one more thing there’s never enough time for. Yet building community partnerships with local businesses can open doors to volunteers, Board members, expertise, social enterprise opportunities and stronger community connections. It starts by making time for relationships—not just asking for support. What opportunities might your non-profit be missing because you haven’t made time to build the relationship yet?

Strong non-profit communication starts with better conversations. Whether you’re connecting with team members, Board members, volunteers or community partners, curiosity and active listening can strengthen trust, collaboration and relationships. Asking better questions helps people feel heard while opening the door to new ideas and shared understanding. Are your conversations simply exchanging information—or building the relationships your non-profit needs to thrive?

Can a non-profit earn revenue and still stay true to its mission? Absolutely. As funding pressures grow, non-profit sustainability may require organizations to think differently about earned income, fee-for-service programs and social enterprise. Revenue can be reinvested to strengthen programs, increase capacity and advance your mission. What opportunities could your non-profit be missing because earning money feels too much like “business”?

How do non-profits attract and retain great staff when workloads are growing and resources remain tight? Non-profit burnout, fair compensation, employee retention and workforce sustainability aren’t simply HR issues—they affect organizational capacity, service quality and community impact. Boards and Executive Directors need to think differently about how they invest in their people. What is the real cost to your non-profit when your best people decide they can’t afford to st