Insights

The JB Consulting Blog

Strategy, grant tips, and board governance insights for Siouxland nonprofits and businesses.

Fundraising
FundraisingJune 27, 2026

Top 5 Fundraising Lessons for Nonprofits

People often ask me what actually works in fundraising.

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Board Governance
Board GovernanceApril 10, 2026

Almost All Nonprofit Boards Are Capable of Greatness

Most nonprofit boards are underperforming.

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Fundraising
FundraisingFebruary 2, 2026

The results are in...external fundraising consulting ROI = $1→$27

My favorite fundraising scholar, Dr. Russell James, recently released a powerful article examining the impact professional outside consultants have on our clients' fundraising results. The numbers are not surprising, ...

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingDecember 29, 2025

"Building Structures & Systems to Help Nonprofits PROFIT."

My sister-in-law, Stephanie, coined this phrase a few hours ago to describe the JB Consulting Firm mission. I found it a beautifully succinct and provocative statement...something you would expect from an educator lik...

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingNovember 1, 2025

This blog post is actually a podcast

I had the pleasure of being a guest on Mr. Jacob Stevenson's podcast, "On The Same Team," recently.

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingOctober 20, 2025

What is strategic consulting, and why is it valuable?

I seem to field the same question from a variety of sources: "[s]o what exactly does your firm do?" Well, here's my updated attempt at defining strategic consulting, my clients, and the scope and benefits of my mission.

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Fundraising
FundraisingSeptember 2, 2025

2025 Bigger & Better Giving - The Detailed Version

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for charitable giving. Thanks to new tax rules, donors can maximize impact while protecting valuable tax benefits. Let's explore the methods.

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Fundraising
FundraisingAugust 13, 2025

4 Reasons It's Time to Revisit Cash Giving Conversations

As we continue to navigate the evolving philanthropic landscape, it's an opportune moment to re-engage donors in conversations about cash giving incentives. The disincentives introduced by the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act...

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Estate Planning
Estate PlanningJune 23, 2025

What Should I Do With My RMD If I Don’t Need the Income?

If you’re turning 73 this year, congratulations. This milestone is not only a reflection of a life well-lived but a reminder that you are reaching the age when Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) become part of your...

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Fundraising
FundraisingJune 16, 2025

5 Tips to Retain Donors Amid Economic Uncertainty

I often have thoughtful board members and clients ask for advice as to how the current economic climate will affect their mission and financial security. The thrust of my advice is always to double down on donor stewa...

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Nonprofit Strategy
Nonprofit StrategyJune 7, 2025

My Child Turned 18. Now what?

Essential Legal Documents Every Iowa Parent Should Know About

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Leadership
LeadershipApril 23, 2025

The 4-Day Workweek: Attract and Retain Great People at No Cost

Whether your organization is brand new or has been around for decades, a 4-day workweek isn’t just a trendy idea—it’s a powerful tool for building a healthier, happier, and more productive workplace. And the best part...

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Leadership
LeadershipApril 11, 2025

What to Do When Your Top Fundraiser Leaves

In the nonprofit world, the only constant is change—constant change. Unexpected change. Often, devastating change.

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Fundraising
FundraisingApril 7, 2025

Stop Asking for Cash Donations Immediately. Here's Why...

When people think about donating to a nonprofit, they almost always think about writing a check or swiping a credit card. That’s their hard-earned, already-taxed, disposable income—gone in a click.

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Fundraising
FundraisingFebruary 28, 2025

Top 7 Nuggets of Fundraising Wisdom

The following list, in no particular order, represents some of the most poignant insights into the nonprofit fundraising world:

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Leadership
LeadershipJanuary 10, 2025

Can you replace employees and still see better results?

The data is clear: the traditional five-day, 40+ hour work week is rapidly becoming obsolete. Gen Z, in particular, has no interest in this outdated model. Employers must adapt—and fast.

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingNovember 30, 2024

Small Business Saturday

Small businesses are the heart of our communities—they create jobs, fuel innovation, and build connections. As a small business owner myself, and as someone who works closely with local small businesses, I know firsth...

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingNovember 27, 2024

What are JB Consulting Clients Saying?

Consider this testimonial from Emily Culver, the Executive Director of Lila Mae's House, a local organization helping to transform the lives of women who have been victims of sex trafficking.

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingNovember 20, 2024

What are JB Consulting's Clients Saying?

Consider this short testimonial from JB Consulting's current client Dan Wubbena, who is the Chair of the Fund Development Committee at Siouxland Youth for Christ:

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Strategic Consulting
Strategic ConsultingNovember 15, 2024

You Could Easily Lose Your Tax-Exempt Status Under H.R. 9495

What do Nonprofits Need to Know?

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