Welcome to Strategic Stack for Good: Building Better Missions with Smarter Tech

Emelie Smith

13 Oct 2025 — 1 min read

After more than twenty years working in and alongside nonprofits—from frontline fundraising to executive leadership—I’ve seen the power of technology to transform how organizations deliver on their missions. But I’ve also seen how overwhelming it can be to choose the right tools, build the right strategy, and get buy-in across teams.

That’s why I created Strategic Stack for Good.

This blog is a space for nonprofit, public sector, and private sector leaders who are ready to rethink how they use technology—not just to manage operations, but to expand their mission reach.

What You’ll Find Here

Insights from the field: Lessons learned from 12 years in nonprofit leadership and my work helping organizations build tech stacks that support growth, compliance, and impact.
Cross-sector strategies: How leaders in government, corporate, and nonprofit spaces are leveraging ERP, CRM, and other tools to drive transformation.
Practical tools: Templates, frameworks, and real-world examples to help you lead change with confidence.
Thought leadership: Reflections on the intersection of software sales, social impact, and strategic planning.

Why Now?

The challenges facing mission-driven organizations are more complex than ever. Whether you're navigating funding constraints, compliance requirements, or digital transformation, the right strategy—and the right stack—can make all the difference.

I believe that when we align mission, technology, and leadership, we unlock new possibilities. Strategic Stack for Good is my contribution to that conversation.

Let’s build better, together.

The Hidden Power of Mid-Range Donors: Why They Matter and How to Engage Them at Scale

Introduction: When we talk about fundraising, the spotlight often shines on two extremes: major donors who make transformational gifts and broad-based campaigns that bring in thousands of small contributions. But there’s a powerful group in the middle—mid-range donors—who often go unnoticed. These donors may not write six-figure

Leading with Heart: Inspired by 4 Skills Every New Nonprofit Manager Needs to Master

Introduction: When I came across this article in Nonprofit Pro it struck a chord. Leadership in the nonprofit sector isn’t just about managing—it’s about inspiring. The piece highlights four essential skills for new managers, and I couldn’t agree more. Building on those ideas, I want to

Why Good Data Matters—And How ERP Helps Everyone Use It

In every nonprofit I’ve worked with—from grassroots teams to national networks, higher ed institutions to tribal governments—one truth has remained constant: good data empowers good decisions. But too often, data lives in silos. Finance has one version of the truth, fundraising another, and program teams yet another.

Why Deep Sector Empathy Matters When Choosing a Software Partner

In the nonprofit world, every dollar matters. Every hour counts. Every decision—especially those involving technology—can either accelerate your mission or slow it down. That’s why choosing the right software partner isn’t just about features or price. It’s about empathy—specifically, deep sector empathy. What Is