A Message from Diane - Reflection
Little Cranberry Lake, Anacortes
No wind, just stillness. The water so calm you can see the trees reflected like a mirror image. It was in that state of mind, back in December 2025, that the idea of using my technical expertise to help nonprofit leaders came to be.
I had just left my job. My family was on vacation in Cabo. My husband had injured his ankle days before the trip. All those things created the perfect week of stillness. No house chores, no work, no adventures. Just days in the sunshine thinking about my life, and my purpose.
Now it is May 2026. Anacortes Nonprofit Navigator has been in operation for five months and I find myself reflecting again. But this time without the calm. There is client work on my mind. There is my high school senior’s graduation just around the corner. There is my college student home for the summer. This time, it is a different kind of reflection — one with excitement and momentum, because I am moving forward with purpose.
Welcome to the first issue of The Waypoint.
When I founded Anacortes Nonprofit Navigator, my goal was to help mission-driven leaders use the technologies available to them to remove the invisible labor that drains their time and energy. This newsletter is my way of extending that support to the broader nonprofit community with practical tips, useful tools, and honest conversation about what it takes to run a mission-driven organization in a fast-moving world. It is my monthly check-in with you on this journey to serve the community.
Nonprofit organizations may be grouped under one label, but the people you serve and the missions you carry vary enormously. Technology changes quickly, and tools take time to learn and work into your process. My hope is that The Waypoint earns a place in your inbox by delivering operational insights that are practical, relevant, and useful to you right where you are.
I am glad you are here.
Diane Peterson
Founder & Principal Consultant, Anacortes Nonprofit Navigator
May’s Article
Three Clicks to the Center: A Nonprofit Website Audit
Your website is open 24/7, but is it working for you or against you? You have about 3 seconds to answer three questions for every new visitor: What do you do? Why should I care? How do I get involved?
This month we're asking a different question, inspired by a certain wise owl: How many clicks does it take to make a donation on your website?
With statistics like over 80% of online donations are abandoned before completion, read how you can improve your website for better engagement with your donors.
June’s Happenings
Where in the World is Diane?
There is no shortage of things to do in our community this June. Rather than list everything, I thought it would be more fun to share where you might actually run into me.
June 6 & June 7
This annual tradition is one of my favorites. Boat building activities, art vendors, live music, and food trucks — there is something for everyone. I will be volunteering to help with setup on Saturday morning, so if you spot me, come say hi!
June 19 - 21
The Hot Air Balloon Glow on Friday evening is not to be missed — if I can manage to stay up that late. I will need the rest, because Saturday morning I am running the 10K. If you are a runner, I hope to see you at the start line!