Client Testimonials

Learn what the Center's clients and supporters have to say about our consulting services, online tools and other resources.

Consulting Services

“BBYO's engagement of the Center to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of the Center. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO's selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with over the past two years. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.”
      —Sidney Abrams, Director of Administration, B'nai B'rith Youth Organization

“Our decision to ask Nonprofit Risk Management Center to undertake a risk assessment for the Hinton Rural Life Center was one of the best decisions that we could have made. The consultation was very thorough and thoughtful. It was conducted in a professional and friendly style. The consultation helped our staff and board focus on several critical issues regarding our insurance coverage, personnel policies, and other risk factors. In addition, the Nonprofit Risk Management Center has continued to offer guidance and suggestions as we have tried to implement changes in our operations. This consultation was some of the best money we have ever spent. I would recommend it to any nonprofit organization, without reservation.”
      —Clay Smith, President/CEO, Hinton Rural Life Center, Inc.

Custom Workshops, Conferences and Webinars

“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
      —Pamela Mattel, Chief Operating Officer, Basics Promesa Systems Inc.

“We at ILRU, Independent Living Research Utilization, hired the Center to design and deliver a series of four webinars on sound employment practices for Executive Directors and other managers at centers for independent living. The Webinars were excellent. Melanie Herman's presentations were informative and thorough. She worked closely with our training team to address unique needs of our large national audience. Centers are advocacy-oriented community nonprofit organizations; they range in size from very small, with a director and a handful of staff, to very large, with hundreds of employees. A majority of their boards and staff are people with disabilities. The Webinars effectively addressed the range of employment issues for a large and varied audience, including effective hiring practices, staff supervision and evaluation, discipline and departure, and managing workplace risks. We highly recommend the Center for its training and materials. ”
      —Richard Petty, Independent Living Research Utilization

“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the 2011 Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions. ”
      —Scott Brown, Mohonk Preserve

“Melanie, of all our trainers, you were a standout. I never expected risk management or HR classes to be engaging and fun. You put it all together, from the common sense fundamentals to the evidence-based best practices, so that it made perfect sense. I think that's why I've retained it all so well.”
      —Matt Smith, Executive Director, Out Youth

“The 2011 Summit in Seattle was awesome… from start to finish. I walked away with more than information but a sense of confidence that we each are able to chart our courses through sometimes very wild storms to improve ourselves and our organizations. Hilary Austen’s keynote (“Artistry Unleashed”) was the perfect kick off for the conference because I found myself weaving that artistic thread through session after session—not relying upon just the presenter’s words but weaving those words through my understanding/perspective into the fabric of our organization with our specific needs.”
      —Susan Bowen, Finance Director, Lions VisionGift

Center Website, Articles, Publications and eNews

“I was searching for a basic discussion of related party transactions and conflicts of interest on the web because a colleague asked me about a knotty situation. Your article on this topic popped up and was perfect!--Concise, informative and exactly on point. Thank you for providing such useful commentaries to nonprofits.”
      —Philippa M. Guthrie, Indiana University

“Melanie, I just wanted to let you know how much I value the great stuff you send out and the Center's weekly eNews. I've seen in your trainings how well you know the research and how thoughtful you are. So when I see your name in my inbox, I know it will be worth reading. Thanks, and keep it coming!”
      —Matt Smith, Detour Travel

“The information and advice on your website has been extremely helpful and beneficial in my efforts to build the capacity of Volunteers of America's Volunteer Services department. Thank you for all of your hard work!”
      —Caroline Dunleavy, Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans

“I just wanted to say thank you for the excellent work you do. I work with nonprofit anti-sexual assault coalitions and enjoy thinking about how your guidance applies to coalition/association practices. I especially like hearing about what books you are reading and how you connect them to the work you do. In fact, I consistently read your entire emails and often put the books you mention on my wish list! Keep up the great work!”
      —Tara Wolfe, Resource Sharing Project