Community Spotlight: James Nortey

and the New Vision for the Eastside Since stepping into the role of CEO at San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) in January 2024, James Nortey has become a pivotal force in reshaping the narrative of one of the city’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. A lawyer by trade and the son of Ghanaian immigrants, Nortey brings a […]
Authentic Storytelling

Connecting Donors to Your Mission with Emotional Resonance I will never forget the moment I watched a KSAT interview where a 16-year-old named Lenae Sage looked into the camera and said with quiet conviction, “This program has been one of the best things to help me out in life. They have helped me grow as […]
Your Story Deserves Proof

The Power of Data in Nonprofits No one knows your mission better than you do. The work you are doing in the community is purpose-driven and valuable. Your mission exists because there was a need, and your organization stepped forward to address it. You know the importance of the work and hear all the impactful […]
Planning for the Future

Essential Steps for Effective Leadership and Executive Succession As a nonprofit consultant, the question I hear most often is not about today’s budget, but about tomorrow’s leadership. The sustainability of any mission-driven organization hinges on its ability to navigate transitions smoothly. Effective leadership and executive succession planning are not optional tasks; they are acts of […]
Don’t Let Year-End Donors Go Cold

The Art of Post-Gift Cultivation Think of it like dating, you wouldn’t propose on the first coffee date, would you? If you’re reading this in February, I have a critical question for you: Have you thanked your year-end donors yet? And I don’t mean the automated tax receipt that went out December 31st. I mean […]
Your Nonprofit’s New Year Launchpad

A Six-Point Strategy for Maximum Impact Happy New Year! We know that the first few weeks of January are crucial, they set the tone and trajectory for your organization’s entire year. This is the moment to move from reactive planning to proactive strategy. Set your intention to work smarter, not harder! Engage your team, including […]
A Year of Gratitude

Thank You for Making This Journey Possible As I sit down to write this, I’m struck by how quickly another year has passed—and how much we’ve accomplished together. When I think about what made this year truly special, two things come to mind immediately: the incredible team that shows up every day with passion and […]
Peace, Gratitude, and Holiday Sanity at Work

Simple strategies to recharge, reconnect, and bring your best self to the office this season. The ‘ber months are here, cooler weather, twinkling lights, and the annual holiday chaos. You know the scene: Aunt’s “famous” mac and cheese is a little too dry, your uncle is repeating that high school story for the tenth time, […]
Celebrating Barbara Goldman: A Legacy of Leadership and Impact at TEAMability

For more than two decades, Barbara Goldman has been the driving force behind TEAMability, leading with vision, compassion, and a deep belief in the abilities of children with complex disabilities. As she steps into retirement after 22 years of extraordinary leadership, we at M. Leslie Palmer Consulting Group are honored to reflect on the privilege […]
The Three Ghosts of Database Disasters: A Nonprofit Horror Story

BEWARE! – this tale is not for the faint of heart… On a dark and stormy night, a fearless Development Director sat at her desk, stomach growling (cause what nonprofit leader has time to eat?), when suddenly—CRASH! Lightning struck the server room! When the smoke cleared and the modem re-booted, three ghastly apparitions appeared, each […]