It's lonely at the top

Published 2 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

When I first launched Voice for Good, I worried about losing my colleagues.

Who would I bounce ideas off of?

Who would know the things I don't?

Reader, you know it can be lonely when you're the only one in your role, which is why it's important to have the right people around you.

My business is just me—which works for my clients and for me—but I've made an effort to get to know other consultants who can share wisdom, expertise, and knowledge.

So as we near the end of October and head into the last two months of a challenging year, I wanted to share resources with you from other consultants that may be helpful as you plan for year-end and beyond:

From Jenni Ohnstad, grab your brand voice color guide to see how your brand colors can amplify your messages and connect more deeply with your target audiences.

From Katie Mendez, here are 20 low-lift, high-impact ways to build a donor experience that drives rentention.

From Liz Morton, warm up your donors ahead of year-end giving with her Thankgiving gratitude card template.

From Christine Preziosi, save money, time, and energy in planning your next event with this checklist of must-ask venue questions.

From Isatou Bittaye-Jobe, if you're at an advocacy organization, download her logic model template to outline your strategy.

Do any of these feel especially helpful to you right now? I'd love to hear what's on your mind at this time of year.

Rooting for you,

Jordana

View Online

Were you forwarded this email? Click here to subscribe.

Read more from Jordana Merkin, Voice for Good

How are you easing in?

Reader, do you remember the last time "how are you" didn't feel like a loaded question? I know I don't. My 2025 word of the year was community. For many of the communities I identify with—nonprofit, Jewish, American—these are challenging times in different ways, and have been for some time now. No matter where you are, things likely feel heavy in one way or another. Which is exactly why my 2026 word of the year is ease. Not because things are easy, and not because we can—or should—opt out of...

4 days ago • 2 min read

Your last-minute givers

Hi Reader, Are your people last-minute givers?12% of all giving occurs in the final week of the year, with donations made on December 31 online accounting for 5% of total online revenue (according to the M+R Benchmarks report).With one week left to the year, the good news is that the best is yet to come.The not-so-good news is that that's true for every nonprofit. So, Reader, how will you stand out? If you know me, you know my answer is clear messaging.When you lead with clear messaging, you...

18 days ago • 1 min read

When you're burning the midnight oil

Hi Reader, I know this is a tough time of year for many in our sector. Giving season can feel like an exhausting marathon, with so much that needs to go well before getting to the finish line. I've worked for nonprofits my entire career, and what I love most is that even when it's hard, we each have our own mission-driven why that keeps us going. It reminds us why we do what we do and brightens dark times—for ourselves and for others. Next week is Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. And as I...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read