At its core, a shared services model centralizes a function that would otherwise be duplicated across multiple organizations or departments. Instead of each nonprofit having its own full-time IT staff, for example, several organizations might share a single IT professional or team. This approach reduces costs, increases efficiency, and allows each organization to focus more on its core mission.

At Spur and Sprout, we believe in the power of designing communities around the needs of children, and by extension, families, seniors, and every generation. A recent family trip to Cincinnati gave our Communications Lead, Jonathan Desmarais a living, joyful reminder of what’s possible when a city puts kids at the center of its planning.

If you want your team to be engaged, give them an environment where they can do the jobs they were hired for. Listen to them talk about their roadblocks. When they don't understand a process, teach them. Take the time to grow your team. Be the manager you were hired to be.

Nonprofits must stay vigilant. Those who support their work must speak out about what’s happening; not only to defend constitutional rights, but to protect the dignity and safety of those they serve.