Essay
Welcome to the King Tide Era:
what the social sector demands of us now and how to identify those who will lead us through
May 15th, 2025
Hillary Frances
Flying Whale Strategies exists to accelerate leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing and complex problems. The leaders arrive with capability and a problem to solve. They’re smart, fast on their feet, and a bit rugged. By the time I meet them, they have become like special operators who don’t get cold easy, don’t mind sitting in uncomfortable chairs, and know exactly what’s happening behind them. They are the most elite professionals in their field. And yet they are asking for help preparing for their next assignment.
Flying Whale must understand the nature of the next assignment–the era the nonprofit sector is moving into. And we must understand how to match these leaders with philanthropists who are looking for them. This paper explores both:
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How should we prepare nonprofit leaders for the King Tide Era?
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How should we help philanthropists identify the type of leader ready for their investment?
sample
Field Guide: Measuring Impact
Measuring impact is hard. This field guide will help.
Use this guide to:
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Understand how Silicon Valley entrepreneurs communicate their ideas to investors.
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Write a problem and solution statement that matches the lifecycle of your organization.
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Write an impact statement that unlocks bold gifts.
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Identify outcome goals that convey how effective you are.
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Build an evaluation plan
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Review sample goals from other organizations in your sector.
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Field Guide: Designing Major Donor Events
Simple gatherings can move major donors into the next stage of the giving cycle. These gatherings do not have to break your spirit.
Use this guide to:
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Learn how to design an event based on the needs of your major gift portfolio.
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Clarify the difference between a connector, cultivation, and stewardship event.
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Design an invitation that reinforces the purpose.
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Build an agenda that you will look forward to.
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Clarify the role of the board and other hosts.
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Close the event with clear next steps.
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Field Guide: Designing Annual Reports that People Read
People want to read reports that guide them through a story.
Because of resource constraints, a desire to meet reporting requirements, and the need to please a diverse audience, nonprofits have a tendency to churn out a miscellaneous collection of photos and facts.
Use this guide to:
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Apply qualities of brand journalism to your annual report.
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Identify a cohesive theme for your report.
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Incorporate new content: op-ed pieces, photojournalism stories, educational pieces.
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Prepare for the logistics of building a high quality product.
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Build a report that will get wrinkled and spilled on. It will get passed around the homes and workplaces of your fans and the people who will become your fans because of it.