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Powering Nonprofits to Fuel Positive Change

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About Melissa Lagowski

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Melissa Lagowski has contributed 62 entries to our website, so far.

Leveraging AI For Time Management

Leveraging AI For Time Management

By Melissa Lagowski Founder/CEO/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group “Larger nonprofits, with annual budgets exceeding $1 million, are adopting AI tools at nearly twice the rate of smaller organizations (66% vs. 34%), underscoring a growing digital divide,” according to the 2025 AI Benchmark Report which appeared in the NonProfit PRO.  If you have been too busy to look into what artificial intelligence (AI) can do, you are missing an opportunity to gain valuable support. Nonprofit and association professionals can save time and increase efficiency in a variety of ways. Here are just a few ideas to get started: -Data Entry:...

Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change

Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change

By Melissa Lagowski Founder/CEO/Queen Bee Big Buzz Idea Group  As the new administration stepped into office, many nonprofits have been in a frenzy trying to confirm if they will or won’t have the funding they count on to provide their programs. Whether this is your charitable organization or not, this is a wake-up call for all of us, and we need to band together to advocate for one another.   Our industry needs to work together at this time to be heard and protect the funding that many nonprofits rely on. So, first and foremost, contact your congressional leaders to let...

Tips for Nonprofit Success

Tips for Nonprofit Success

Staff Report Big Buzz Idea Group Running a successful nonprofit requires adaptability, innovation and a clear vision, but it’s the collective wisdom of a dedicated team that truly drives impact. Check out these insights from Big Buzz Idea Group team members who each bring their unique perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s evolving nonprofit landscape. From leveraging technology and fostering community engagement to ensuring financial sustainability and prioritizing mission alignment, their thoughts offer a comprehensive look at how nonprofits can navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the year ahead. Tricia Fusilero Association Manager  Every day, move one...

DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025

DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025

By Candance Chow CEO NextGroup LLC The winds are shifting when it comes to corporate messaging and strategy around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): what it is, what it is called, etc. As a nonprofit leader or mission-based organization looking forward, you should be less concerned about what you call it and more focused on the value and importance of creating a culture that empowers and nurtures diversity of thought and contribution.  Regardless of shifting political winds, let’s not lose sight of the reason we started all this talk in the first place (in addition to the recognition of systemic...

Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?

Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?

By Amanda Lovell Digital Marketing Manager Big Buzz Idea Group  As nonprofits look to the future, one generation stands out for its unique, powerful potential: Gen Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z is already making waves in the philanthropic world, even as most of its members are just beginning their professional lives. This generation is socially conscious, digitally fluent and unafraid to put their values into action, making them a critical demographic for nonprofits to understand and engage.   So, why should nonprofits focus on Gen Z as their next wave of donors … and how?  Why Gen Z...

Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease

Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease

By Julia Schroeder Marketing & Nonprofit Account Coordinator Big Buzz Idea Group Change is inevitable for any nonprofit or business, just as people experience times of uncertainty in their own lives. Someone may pass away or lose a job they were counting on to pay the bills. A nonprofit organization may need to dissolve due to a lack of resources or difficulty keeping its supporters engaged. When sudden change occurs – perhaps a loss in major funding or a board member decides to leave before their term is up – the organization may need to scramble to put all the...

Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2024 Media Contact: Cat Donovan cat@bigbuzzideagroup.com Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100 list honors Big Buzz Idea Group as ‘Enduring Business’ Chicago, IL – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO, its award-winning digital platform for small businesses, announced Big Buzz Idea Group was chosen for the CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses list. Big Buzz Idea Group was selected out of more than 14,000 applicants by an esteemed panel of judges for its overall growth driven by cutting-edge ideas, resilience, and strong employee culture. The list includes a...

Navigating Nonprofit Finances: How to Effectively Manage Your Bookkeeper

Navigating Nonprofit Finances: How to Effectively Manage Your Bookkeeper

By Melissa Lagowski Founder/CEO/Queen Bee Successful financial management is one of the greatest keys to the sustainability of your nonprofit or association. The accuracy of your numbers is crucial for day-to-day funding of staffing, programming and strategic planning. And yet, depending on the source, 40% of nonprofit leaders and 60% of small business owners say they are not good at bookkeeping. Accounting is a highly-regulated area of importance for your organization, and yet most nonprofits do not invest in securing the specialists needed to manage their finances. And even when an association does hire a bookkeeper, leadership might not know...

These Red Flags Scream That You Need a New Bookkeeper

These Red Flags Scream That You Need a New Bookkeeper

By Melissa Lagowski Founder/CEO/Queen Bee If your nonprofit or association manages cash flow or oversees the filing of financial documentation on a regular basis, check out these warning signs that indicate when it’s time to hire a new bookkeeper. 1. Missed Deadlines Reconciliations and reporting are on a steady and predictable cycle. Bank statements are issued by the end of the month, so the bookkeeper should be able to reconcile all accounts and provide the monthly reports by the 15th of the following month. Governmental deadlines are also established and follow a regular pattern for submissions. If your filings are...

10 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Nonprofit from Cyber Threats

10 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Nonprofit from Cyber Threats

By Amanda Lovell Digital Marketing Manager Big Buzz Idea Group Do you know the potential costs and impacts that a cyberattack could have on your organization? Are you prepared? In today’s digital age, nonprofits are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks, data breaches and ransomware. Your organization’s cybersecurity efforts are crucial, not only to protect sensitive information from theft and damage, but also to maintain the trust and confidence of your stakeholders and your members. Here are some key stats that every nonprofit needs to know: 50% of NGOS reported being targeted by a cyberattack in 2021. 500K confidential records of...

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Check Out These Recent Posts

  • Leveraging AI For Time Management
  • Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change
  • Tips for Nonprofit Success
  • DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025
  • Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?
  • Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses

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Insights Blog Archive

  • Make Your Nonprofit Stand Out: Creating Impressions for Impact
  • Navigating Uncertainty: How Nonprofits Can Protect Funding and Advocate for Change
  • Virtual Fundraising: 18 Ideas for Nonprofit Revenue
  • Outsourcing: The Only Solution To Staffing Shortages
  • Cross-Train Your Team for Better Outcomes
  • Nonprofit Form 990: Friend or Foe?
  • Take Time to Evaluate Your Events
  • 5 Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health in the Workplace
  • The Birth of a New Vision
  • Life After COVID-19: Next Steps for Your Nonprofit
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: To Package or Not to Package
  • The Board’s Hot (Summer) Topics
  • Are You Leaving Money On The Table?
  • 5 Reasons to Outsource Instead of Rely on Volunteers
  • Losing Control? Reclaim Your Time!
  • Talk to Me! Prioritizing Internal Communications During Times of Transition
  • Leveraging AI For Time Management
  • What’s Your Nonprofit’s Story
  • Self-Care: A Necessity for Successful Leadership
  • Grateful for Nonprofit Leaders
  • The Hidden Costs Behind Your Fundraiser
  • Client Spotlight: Illinois Theatre Association
  • How to Manage Your Organization During an Election Year Without Violating Your Nonprofit Status
  • New Year’s Resolutions for Board Members
  • Implementing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Your Nonprofit
  • Financial Planning for Uncertain Times
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • Clearer Communication Is the Secret to Better Outcomes
  • Transparency and Nonprofit Organizations
  • How to Hire a Consultant
  • Client Spotlight: Cyberjutsu
  • Spend Less. Do More. Your Guide to Effective Outsourcing
  • Budgeting for Your Nonprofit in Uncertain Times
  • Fostering Board Engagement in Virtual Times
  • Silver Linings Discovered Amidst a Pandemic
  • 7 Tips for Managing Hybrid Events
  • The Taxman Cometh (Yes, Even For Your Exempt Organization)
  • Please Send a Hi-res Copy of Your Logo
  • Big Buzz Has COVID-19 Resources For You!
  • 2020: A Lesson in Gratitude
  • Time to Assess Your Year-End Campaigns
  • Fundraising: Creating a Straighter Path to Revenue Growth
  • 6 Tips for Healthy Collaboration with Your Board Chair
  • How to Secure Mega Sponsorships For Your Fundraising Event!
  • Mastering Client Expectations: 6 Essential Tips for Success
  • 8 Tips For Leading Productive Meetings
  • Board Nominating: A Better Way
  • Client Spotlight: Hope For The Day
  • Something Good: Building Your Team’s Connection
  • Should Sponsorships Include Membership Dues?
  • How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media to Meet Goals
  • Best Practices For Nonprofit Management
  • Melissa Lagowski Named Faculty Member at Institute for Organization Management
  • Organic Methods to Cultivate Sponsorship Leads
  • Employee Retention Tax Credit Yields Powerful Opportunity
  • Nonprofit Hiring: Best Practices for Building Your Team in 2024
  • Is Your Marketing Missing the Mark?
  • Six Things Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Sales Tax
  • Client Spotlight: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
  • How Big Is Your Fire?
  • Four Tactics to Resolve Nonprofit Staffing Shortages
  • Meet Big Buzz, the Creators of Ribfest Chicago
  • 4 Ways Outsourcing Your Development Work Can Provide Value
  • Gen Z is the Next Wave of Donors—How Can Nonprofits Engage Them?
  • Communicating With Your Nonprofit’s Supporters During Times of Unease
  • Keep Your Mission in Mind to Maximize Results
  • Leveraging E-Newsletters For Nonprofit Growth
  • The Benefits of Outsourcing
  • 10 Cybersecurity Tips to Protect Your Nonprofit from Cyber Threats
  • Crisis Management: Are You Ready?
  • Never Overlook the Value of Gratitude
  • Nonprofit Event Venues 101
  • 50 Content Promotion Tactics: How to Drive Traffic to Your Next Article
  • Team Culture Exists Beyond the Office Walls
  • The Need to Go Beyond Surveys
  • Cancelling or Postponing Your Events in Light of COVID-19
  • The 3 Mistakes I Made Managing a Nonprofit
  • Innovative Approach to Volunteer Recruitment
  • Advantages of Donor Database Software for Charitable Organizations
  • What’s Your Nonprofit’s First Impression?
  • Becoming a Virtual Event Planner in an Instant
  • Boost Your Daily Productivity
  • Client Spotlight: Center for Changing Lives
  • To Be Successful, Nonprofits and Associations Must Be Forward-Thinking
  • The Compelling Case to Renew
  • Organizational Operations Versus Organizational Strategy
  • 3 Tips For Maintaining Your NPO’s Digital Assets
  • Tips for Virtual Event Success
  • 3 Reasons Why Your Organization Should Use Canva
  • 9 Lessons Learned from Our First Virtual Conference
  • 11 Tips to Make Your Newsletter More Readable
  • Are You Leading With Impact?
  • Why You Need to Establish Gratitude as a Pillar at Your Nonprofit
  • How to Keep Your Visuals On-Brand
  • Does Your Mission Have a Compelling Voice?
  • If You’re Feeling Hopeless of Late, Remember That Your Work Matters and You Do, Too
  • These Red Flags Scream That You Need a New Bookkeeper
  • How To Secure More Donor Dollars
  • The Keys to Presenting Your Nonprofit Online
  • Tips for Nonprofit Success
  • Leadership Starts with You
  • Post-Pandemic Event Lessons
  • Re-Imagine the Possibilities to Better Serve Your Mission
  • Client Spotlight: Old Town School of Folk Music
  • Why Nonprofits Need to Evaluate Their Budgets Every Year
  • Optimize Your Contact List for Nonprofit Growth
  • Interim Directors Provide Strength in Times of Transition
  • How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Thinking
  • Apply the Spoon Theory to Run Your Nonprofit
  • Goal-Setting For Successful Events
  • Chart a Path for Nonprofit Success
  • Four Step Process to Building Better Buy-In
  • How to Develop Your Nonprofit’s Audience Persona
  • Tips For Meaningful #GivingTuesday Follow-Up
  • Conference Call Hero – 6 Tips to Master the Art of Video and Audio Conferencing
  • Real Progress Requires Intention: What Do You Want to Achieve in 2020 for Your Nonprofit?
  • SPONSORSHIP 101: Growing Nonprofit Revenues
  • Our Top Five Free Online Tools for Nonprofit Management Teams
  • Should You Ever Cover Board Member Expenses?
  • Put Some Zing in Your Zoom (Or Any Other Virtual Meeting)
  • Why Your Nonprofit Needs Brand Guidelines
  • 5 Ways to Generate Sponsor Leads
  • Defining Your Value: Reclaiming Relevance to the Community You Serve
  • From Awareness to Action: Using Social Media to Reach Your Goals
  • DEI, DEIB, Equity & Inclusion for All: Ways to Advance the Work in 2025
  • DIY Event Photos
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part II
  • Promotion Ideas to Benefit Your Nonprofit – Part I
  • Fresh Funding Ideas Are Blooming
  • Celebrate You and Avoid Nonprofit Burnout
  • Four Pillars to Attracting and Retaining Ideal Employees
  • 5 Secrets to Streamlining Your Administrative Tasks
  • Communication Tips to Advance Your Organization
  • Why Is My Organization Not Growing?
  • Streamlining Success: Using a Consent Agenda for Nonprofit Board Meetings
  • Making a Case for Strategic Planning
  • 6 Tips for Cultivating Gratitude in the Workplace
  • Holding On When You Feel Like Throwing In the Towel
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Named One of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses
  • Lessons Learned in Nonprofit Management
  • An Interim Leader Isn’t a “Temp:” Interim Leadership in NPOs as a Management Profession
  • Networking for Personal and Professional Growth
  • The Importance of Authenticity in Sales and Networking
  • Engage Your Board – Start with Recruiting and End with A High-Performance Culture
  • Why Identifying and Communicating Your Core Values Is Important
  • Want To Retain Your Employees? Wellness in the Workplace Matters!
  • Cyber Security: How To Protect Yourself In Today’s “Connected” World
  • 6 Tips for Recruiting Ideal Board Members
  • 3 Questions to Ask If You Hope to Grow Your Membership
  • Tips to Ensure Event Safety
  • Seven Tips to a More Productive Year for Your Organization
  • Word of the Year: Manifestation
  • Strategies for Membership Based Associations to Flourish in Face-to-Face Interactions
  • 10 Tips to Cultivate Sponsor Relationships
  • Navigating Nonprofit Finances: How to Effectively Manage Your Bookkeeper
  • Securing Help from Your Board: Are You Ready?
  • 4 Productivity Tips to Elevate Your Nonprofit
  • Board or Bored Leadership – Enter the Magnificent Seven
  • Making the Most Out of Event Centerpieces
  • Big Buzz Idea Group Launches Additional Services
  • A Job Gone Wrong

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