Next Stage is Hiring a VP, Impact for Nonprofits

Next Stage is Hiring a VP, Impact for Nonprofits

As we approach our tenth anniversary, Next Stage has accomplished much since it was founded. We have worked with more than 200 nonprofits across the Carolinas to build game-changing strategy and the organizational tools to realize those plans. In recent years,...
UrbanPromise Charlotte Deepens Impact

UrbanPromise Charlotte Deepens Impact

UrbanPromise Charlotte (UP) is a nonprofit that provides youth and students the spiritual, academic and social development necessary to help them become strong leaders and invest back into their communities. Nearing their 10th anniversary, UP has experienced rapid...
An Argument for Trust-Based Philanthropy

An Argument for Trust-Based Philanthropy

Last week we did a thing – we announced The UnFundable Project, an opportunity for a Mecklenburg County nonprofit to receive a $10,000 allocation from Next Stage for a project “that would typically struggle to receive investment in a traditional grantmaking process.”...
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Embrace Empathy

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” is a timeless expression that carries a strong sentiment – don’t judge me – you...
Solving the RTO Dilemma can be a Win-Win-Win

Solving the RTO Dilemma can be a Win-Win-Win

What Hybrid Means to Us Earlier this year, Next Stage moved into its own dedicated office space. We had previously moved between co-working facilities, but the growth in our team suggested the need for a permanent home. Having just passed the six-month mark, I can...
Is your brand ready for Thought Leadership?

Is your brand ready for Thought Leadership?

When Next Stage does strategic marketing work, we recommend that nonprofits share their expertise and elevate their brand by leaning into Thought Leadership. Leaders often feel excited by this recommendation – and completely overwhelmed.  Some fear that content...
We interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming…

We interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Programming…

The Seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being by Josh Jacobson Frankly, sometimes I feel burdened by my calling. It would be so much easier to develop a simple approach to our work at Next Stage and just put it all on cruise control. Why work so hard? I feel...
Were our Predictions Correct? 2023 Trend Update

Were our Predictions Correct? 2023 Trend Update

On Friday mornings, our team gathers for coffee in the office. We use this time to catch up about the week, share our weekend plans and debrief on client projects. We’re fortunate that a lot of organizations invite us to partner in their work. This year alone, we’ve...
How to Barbie Without a Baller Budget

How to Barbie Without a Baller Budget

Did anyone have “Billion Dollar Barbie Blockbuster” on their summer 2023 bingo card? Can’t say I saw that coming. But perhaps I should have given the extraordinary marketing efforts that created a pink wave of consumerism and social media buzz in the months leading up...