Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder Quote

"The [nonprofit] sector enhances our creativity, enlivens our communities, nurtures individual responsibility, stirs life at the grassroots, and reminds us that we were born free."
Gardner, John W. American writer (1933–1982)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Marketing the Goods

Say "marketing" and many people think "big business". That's a huge mistake! Instead, say "marketing" and think "Totally! Yes! Show me how!"

There are plenty of ways nonprofits can market themselves and there are plenty of reasons why nonprofits should market themselves:
  • to increase their visability for constituents
  • to increase their visability to the larger community
  • to increase their revenues
  • to tell their story!
All these points lead to the same thing - getting people other than the people who know you to know you! No really, it's not as confusing as it sounds. A few things to consider:

Why do you want people to know about your organization?
If you haven't determined why anyone needs to know about your group, then any marketing plan will fall flat on its face. Do you want people to know about you so they can receive services? Do you want them to donate to the organization? Be clear on this before you start piecing together a marketing strategy.

Now that you know why, decide who.
If you want to increase your opportunities for revenue, you're marketing to donors. What would make them give? What would they respond to? Look at similar organizations out there and see who is donating, what type of people seem to be interested in supporting your type of services? Look at your board members - they volunteer because they are passionate about your cause...probably a similar emotional connection you will find with other donors.

What kind of marketing?
What do other organizations out there do? What has caught your eye (and your heart) with other marketing campaigns? You don't need to reinvent the wheel, but you do need to infuse your plan with your organization's own flavor and feel.

But how?
So many avenues here! Think about your budget - big or small? Mailings, brochures, public service announcements, manning tables at conferences, producing videos, getting on the speakers circuit at community service organizations, commercials, articles, special events. It's pretty much limitless -but make sure you select options that are appropriate for your group and its mission.

There are TONS of resources out there about marketing. Even marketing for nonprofits! If you're on a tight budget, consider contacting a local college or university and arranging for a marketing student intern - invaluable!

Now, go tell your story!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Nonprofits are Businesses

For all you nonprofits out there with well-developed boards, employee policies & procedures, a decent cash flow - congratulations! And, the rest of you? What's up? Get going!

Too many nonprofit organizations - especially small and newer ones - struggle to define themselves as businesses. They more closely vision themselves as service providers, meeting needs of their customers. And certainly that is part of the overall picture. But they are also functioning by getting through from day to day, moving from one crisis to another, hoping for a break, for a new grant, for success.

But the sooner nonprofits see beyond their mission to provide services, the sooner they can recognize themselves as businesses. In some cases, it seems to go against the grain to equate a nonprofit with for-profit business practices. But not true! Sound business practices will strengthen the nonprofit organization. They will provide a clear direction for planning - for human resource needs, financial resources, programs and services.

So, see your nonprofit as the business it is. And grow!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Executive Director Salaries

Last week, I read a Letter to the Editor in our local paper that really got me steamed. It suggested - well, it flat out said - that Executive Directors in nonprofit organizations shouldn't get the executive level salaries that get handed out in for-profit businesses. What???

I've worked in the nonprofit arena for over 20 years. Even back then the discussion was starting to come around to paying salaries that match skill levels...although it still wasn't put into practice very often. Certainly today we still have thousands of small nonprofit organizations that pay very little to their top earners - because that is all they have. And they've been lucky enough to find employoees that have such a passion for their mission that they will work underpaid. It's not pretty and it's hardly fair.

Now you come to organizations that are actually pulling in decent amounts of resources. Organizations that can actually afford to pay a skilled and experienced executive the going rate. Why shouldn't they be paid the going rate? Why would we choose to lose these leaders to the for-profit sector when we so drastically need them in our nonprofit world?

We need to look ahead - all the research shows us that there will be a tremendous loss of retiring nonprofit executives in the coming years. As our communities become stronger and more independent as a result of nonprofit activities, we must ensure that these same organizations stay stable and maintain the experienced leadership so needed.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Write a Grant Proposal!

Lucky you! You've found the perfect grant funding opportunity for your nonprofit organization! How can you be sure you're writing the proposal most likely to be funded?

There are some easy steps to follow when developing and writing a grant proposal. If you follow these "rules", then you will have done your part. Of course, competition is fierce for grant funding and even if your proposal is perfect, it doesn't guarantee a grant. But, it does get your organization out there. The more proposals you write, the more likely you are to get funded. It's all in the odds!

So, Step One: Make sure you are writing for the right funding. Don't make the mistake of asking for funds to implement a program when the funding group only makes grants for computer equipment.

Step Two: Talk to the Funder. Pick up the phone and talk with someone in the funding organization. Tell them about your plans and get any pointers for the development of the proposal. Make sure they know your name - they'll remember you when proposal review time comes.

Step Three: Follow the instructions to the "T". This provides the proposal reviewers with information about your ability to manage a grant. Show them you can follow directions and do what is required.

Step Four: Don't go overboard! It is tempting to send in annual reports, news clips, program photos, and other extra material that show how great your nonprofit is at doing its business. But only send in what the funder is asking for - if they didn't ask for them, they will probably throw away those extras as soon as they get them. Some funders might disqualify the entire proposal!

Step Five: Use a team to write the proposal: program, finance, executive, and partnering agency staff all should be included. There's a part in every proposal for each of these areas.

Step Six: Reread the final proposal many times. Have others read it. Make sure it is done early because there will always be last minute changes.

Step Seven: Again, follow the mailing instructions. Be aware of the due date and closing time. Make sure you've included all the copies requested along with any e-versions. Mail it at least a day early, if not earlier. Use overnight shipping, get a receipt and keep it in a safe place.

Step Eight: Cross your fingers. As mentioned before, competition is pretty steep for grant funding. Even perfect proposals don't get funded - there's just not enough money to go around. But keep trying - you'll get what you need eventually!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Volunteers Rock!

Many organizations rely on the hours and talents of volunteers. And why not?

Small nonprofit organizations always have needs - there is always more work to be done, more services to provide, more folders to file than there is staff or time. Volunteers provide vital support to nonprofits by filling in the gaps. They keep the wheels turning. They keep the boat afloat.

If your organization doesn't have an established volunteer program, never fear. There are plenty of opportunities to recruit, train and support volunteers. One volunteer? Ten? 20? You can do it! Contact colleges - they often have internships and community service hours that students must complete. United Way's can often put groups in contact with potential volunteers. Churches, service organizations, community groups, and businesses - they all support volunteerism.

Once you've found volunteers, you need to structure a work environment that supports them. Orient them to the organization, provide the necessary training to enable them to do their work, then let 'em go and do their thing! Volunteers are a special breed - they are there because they have a certain passion for your mission. After all, they want to work for you without pay! There are other means of compensation, though - a comfortable and safe workplace, opportunities to learn, and companionship with others that share the same vision. As they say, it's a win-win!

Now, go get those volunteers!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Value Your Board

Do you work for a nonprofit organization? Do you know the members of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees? Does it matter? Yes!

Your Board has the financial and legal responsibility for your organization. They must oversee the finances and ensure the stability of the business. They determine the mission, focus, vision and direction of the nonprofit. You may not see them around on a daily basis, but they are the final decision makers. They donate TONS of time to support the organization - there is generally no monetary compensation...especially in the small nonprofits.

So, if you happen to see a Board Member - say "Thanks for all your hard work!" Offer to provide any information they need to get to know your programs better. The more they know about what happens with your services, the better equipped they are to manage the organizational strategic plan.