About the Topic: 

For nonprofits, the word “sustainability” describes an organization that is able fulfill its mission and achieve long-term program success, rather than always “catching up.” To make sure that there is financial sustainability, as well as leadership succession planning, adaptability and strategic planning, we need to break the “catching up” cycle. From embracing organizational change to avoiding magical thinking, nine ways to build sustainability into your organization.

About the Speaker:

Kathy Sharkey’s career in nonprofit management has included fundraising, marketing and communications, business administration, new business development, site development, and project management. She is currently the Director of Communications and Outreach for the Peace Development Fund (PDF), a public foundation in Amherst, Mass, where she has filled a variety of roles since 2003. As a consultant since 2006, her client list is diverse, reflecting a range of interests and expertise. Kathy has advised such organizations as foundations, progressive groups, universities and botanical gardens—from small budgets to large—on fund-raising and recruitment. She has written marketing materials, managed fund-raising databases, conducted organizational assessments, and organized museum and garden tours. While managing The Sustainability Project at PDF, she has trained staff, board and volunteers in how to ask people for money to support an organization; how to prudently use financial resources; and how to develop board leadership and governance. Kathy is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, where she was a European Studies major.

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