What should we discuss during the Advisory Session of our NANA Meeting?

NANA Groups have a "Nonprofit Advisory Session" where members can provide an organization with outside perspectives. The Nonprofit sets the topic each month. Topics should be simple, focused, and realistic to explore within a 30-minute discussion.

The examples below are meant to spark practical ideas, invite diverse perspectives, and generate actionable next steps that create immediate value for the Nonprofit while deepening member engagement and ownership in the mission.

1. “What Are 5 New Places We Should Introduce Ourselves?”

Quickly identify specific businesses, churches, community groups, or events where the nonprofit could build visibility.

2. “How Can We Improve Our Elevator Pitch?”

Members help refine a clear, compelling 30-second explanation of the nonprofit’s mission and impact.

3. “What’s One Small Change That Could Make a Big Impact?”

Identify one practical improvement (process, communication, volunteer flow, donor follow-up) that’s realistic to implement quickly.

4. “How Can We Gain 10 New Donors in the Next 60 Days?”

Brainstorm practical, relationship-based ideas rather than large-scale campaigns.

5. “What Businesses Might Want to Partner With Us?”

Create a short list of specific industries or local companies that align naturally with the mission.

6. “How Can We Better Thank Our Supporters?”

Generate simple, meaningful appreciation ideas that build loyalty without adding major cost.

7. “What’s a Simple Event We Could Host?”

Brainstorm one easy-to-execute event (tour, breakfast, open house, panel discussion, volunteer day).

8. “What Question Should We Be Asking Our Clients or Supporters?”

Identify one powerful feedback question that could improve services or messaging.

9. “Where Might We Be Overcomplicating Things?”

Invite outside perspective on processes, communications, or offerings that could be simplified.

10. “What Story Should We Be Telling More Often?”

Help the nonprofit identify one impactful story or outcome that deserves more visibility.

11. “Who Is Our Ideal Supporter — Really?”

Define the specific type of donor, volunteer, or partner who is the best fit — and where they naturally gather.

12. “What Are 3 Ways We Could Follow Up Better?”

Identify simple improvements in follow-up after events, referrals, tours, or first-time gifts.

13. “What Would Make Someone Proud to Share Us?”

Discuss what would motivate supporters to talk about the nonprofit and how to make sharing easy.

14. “What Is One Untapped Community We Haven’t Engaged?”

Explore a demographic, industry, neighborhood, or age group the organization hasn’t intentionally reached.

15. “How Could We Make It Easier to Volunteer?”

Brainstorm small adjustments that reduce friction and increase volunteer participation.

16. “What’s One Story That Shows Our Impact Clearly?”

Identify a powerful example that captures the heart of the mission and why it matters.

17. “What Could a Simple Monthly Campaign Look Like?”

Discuss an easy, repeatable monthly focus (e.g., sponsor a bed, support a session, fund one family).

18. “Where Could We Show Up Consistently?”

Identify one or two regular events, meetings, or venues where ongoing presence would build credibility.

19. “What Is the Next Logical Step for Someone Who Meets Us?”

Clarify a simple, clear call-to-action when someone learns about the organization for the first time.

20. “What’s One Thing We Should Stop Doing?”

Encourage honest feedback about efforts that may not be producing meaningful results.