Three Notch’d Insights
nonprofit noodling
on the things that drive
(and plague)
organizations.
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Poetic Inspiration from Rita Dove
April is National Poetry month. I have often turned to poetry–both as a reader and writer–especially during those moments where I am seeking…
1 Year and 7 Nonprofits Later…
March 24th marks the 1-year anniversary of the launch of Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions! What began as a desire to tap more deeply…
For Teachers: Igniting Inquiry, Engagement, and Joy
I was honored to be a guest speaker on PEBC’s Phenomenal Teaching podcast, where I shared some nonprofit insights to K-12 teachers looking…
Lessons From My Mother
Last month marked one year since my mother’s passing from this earth. This past year has been marked by moments of heartache—for her…
Five Ways to Curb Burnout {Guest Post}
In the final post of the Burnout Blog Series, guest author Jamie Blackburn explores the causes of burnout and outlines practical tips for…
Finding Collaboration Among the Pieces of an Earth-Shattering Time
With COVID boosters scheduled and the kids’ vaccine around the corner, there’s hope that we may be rounding the corner of our collective…
Reflect, Resolve, Refine: Seeking Agency in a Time of Crisis {Guest Post}
In the third post in the Burnout Blog Series, guest author Charles Fulcher examines his own job loss during the pandemic and how…
Prepare Your Staff For Their Future Careers. {Guest Post}
I’m excited to bring you the first guest post in the Burnout Blog Series, exploring the importance of preparing your staff (and yourself!)…
When Museums Are Better At Preserving Objects Than Staff
Roughly one-fifth of museum workers do not expect to remain in the field in three years, according to the American Alliance of Museums…
The 1-2-3 of Annual Reports
If you’re the director of a nonprofit (especially an emerging one!), creating an annual report can seem like one more thing on your…
Holding Space: The Arts’ Relevance During Traumatic Times
It has become incredibly clichéd to say that this past year has been like no other. Between the pandemic outbreak, continued racial unrest…
I Am a Hunter for Words (a Roxanne Metaphor for Grant Writing)
There is a common metaphor that fundraising is like dating. The first step is identifying someone compatible. Courtship is key, and it’s important…
Beyond Counting: Setting Yourself Up to Tell Your Impact Story
Effectively demonstrating the impact of your organization not only builds awareness of the good, hard work you’re doing; it also builds trust and…
The Three C’s of Three Notch’d
Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions is grounded in 20 years of experience in the nonprofit world. I have had my hands in various pots…
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About Me
Hi, I’m Ellen Spangler. With nearly twenty years in nonprofits, I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly. My first love will always be museums, but I have also cherished my work in education and membership organizations. I’ve worked as a Development Director, Communications Director, Educator, Trainer and Project Manager, and now own and operate a consulting business, Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions. Read more
Three Notch’d Nonprofit Solutions, LLC 