I'M SIDNEY SMITH
May I be direct? Grants can and do help–but they rarely create lasting sustainability on their own.
When a nonprofit relies primarily on philanthropy, revenue stays unpredictable—and leaders end up asking for permission instead of designing the future.
I help executive leaders build the business behind the mission so sustainability becomes a strategy, not a hope.
Nonprofit is a tax status—not a business model.
Why the nonprofit guild exists
I’ve led as CEO, operated as a COO, and governed as a Board Chair.
I know what it feels like when the mission is strong—and the year still hinges on funding decisions you don’t control.
Philanthropy is uncertain.
Reliable revenue is designed.
That’s why I’m direct about this:
Your mission isn’t the problem.
Your business model is.
When you strengthen the fundamentals, you stop living grant-to-grant and crisis-to-crisis.
Start with a clear snapshot of your fundamentals.
OUR SERVICES
Executive Coaching
A strategic confidant for leaders carrying the weight.
Coaching for nonprofit CEOs/EDs who want clearer decisions, stronger executive systems, and accountability—without the noise.
Best for: Leaders navigating growth, complexity, board dynamics, or revenue pressure.
GuildCheck™:
Free Nonprofit Business Audit
Know what’s strong. Know what’s fragile. Know what to do next.
A free, 10-minute assessment that gives you an instant snapshot across 8 pillars of nonprofit business fundamentals—plus prioritized next steps.
Best for: Leaders who need a quick, objective starting point before making big decisions.
Strategic Planning
Strategy first. Then planning.
A structured process that clarifies direction, aligns stakeholders, and produces a practical roadmap your team can execute.
Best for: Boards and leadership teams that need clarity, alignment, and momentum.
Keynote Speaking
High-trust, high-challenge talks for nonprofit leaders who are ready to build differently.
Keynotes that cut through comfortable assumptions and move leaders toward practical action—especially around sustainability, revenue, and business fundamentals.
For example:
No One Is Coming to Save Us: Using Innovation to Save Ourselves
Best for: Conferences, board retreats, leadership gatherings, and association events.
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you’re doing in our cohort. Your energy, insights, and the way you engage with everyone have been so helpful and genuinely encouraging. It really makes a difference!
LA TANYA LIPPRAND
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
All the thanks go to you! Great session(s) and appreciated how you brought it all together and got the whole “clarity” and “2+2” next steps reinforced. Now it is on us to execute.
MARY SPANGLER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Thanks again for the session, you ran a masterclass on balancing friendliness/humor, education, and walking through the more sensitive topics. I really appreciate it!
AARON GUETZLAFF
BOARD CHAIR
FAQS
What is your vision for The Nonprofit Guild?
My vision is to build The Nonprofit Guild into a community of business-savvy nonprofit leaders who refuse to run on uncertainty.
A place where executives strengthen fundamentals, share what works, and build organizations that can sustainably serve the communities who need them most.
Where should I start?
Start with the Free Nonprofit Business Audit (GuildCheck™). It gives you a clear baseline and recommended next steps.
What happens after I get my audit results?
You can use the results yourself, or schedule a call to interpret them and decide what to tackle first.
Who is this for?
Nonprofit CEOs/EDs and senior leaders who want clearer strategy, steadier revenue, and stronger fundamentals—without adding chaos.
Do you work with organizations and nonprofit leaders outside of Kansas City?
Absolutely. Most coaching and advisory work can be done virtually.
What's your approach?
Diagnose → Prioritize → Build. We start with a snapshot of your fundamentals, choose the few moves that matter most, then execute with tools and accountability.
What does Executive Coaching look like?
Executive Coaching with me isn’t generic coaching. It’s real nonprofit leadership work.
I’ve sat in the CEO/ED seat, the COO seat, and the Board Chair seat—so I understand the nuance most coaches miss. We go deep on strategy, revenue model decisions, leadership systems, and board dynamics. I’ll meet you where you are, tailor the work to your leadership style, and push you—constructively—toward the uncomfortable moves that create real momentum.
How much are your services?
Depends on the engagement (coaching vs. planning vs. advisory). After a short fit call, you’ll get a clear scope and price—no mystery packages.
What keynote topics do you speak on?
Nonprofit sustainability, business models, earned revenue, governance, and the mindset shift: “Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business model.”
Do you customize keynote presentations to match our theme?
Yes—based on your audience, sector, and desired outcomes.
