In today's economic climate, Boards of small nonprofit organizations need to be prepared. They need to roll up their sleeves, jump into the work and get their hands dirty!
Nonprofits ALWAYS have things that are left undone - usually because they are understaffed. Given the lean times we live in these days, that is happening more and more. Board members need to revisit their role in the organization's life and put some muscle into the effort. Doing with less staff doesn't make the work disappear. Creating working committees of the board can help to define specific tasks and enhance meeting goals. Associations should have Membership Committees to do outreach to prospective members - staff can keep current members happy. Nonprofits should have create Fundraising Committees - identify the givers and make the ask. Again, organizational staff can keep everyone happy once the donations are made.
Ultimately the board needs to ensure the fiscal and operational soundness of their nonprofit. Keeping a high profile, getting out there, doing the work - that type of action resonates loudly with your communities, your volunteers, your staff and your donors. Do it and have a great time!!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Sustainability
What is sustainability? How do you continue your programs and projects year after year?
Getting more money to do your good work, right? Well, that is really just a small part of it.
Sustainability really focuses on a number of external and internal factors. Factors that are crucial to the support, growth and eventual integration of the programs and services you provide.
Does your organization have policies and partners that support your efforts? Have you established strong, collaborative relationships with them?
Does your organization provide leadership that is clearly committed to the program? Is staff on board with it as well? Do they support the efforts? Do they have the skill it takes to maintain this program within the organization?
The goal is to have the program synthesized into the organization - it becomes a seamless addition to your services. It becomes part of the mission and the culture. It gets to the point where you see the program and can't imagine it never have been there from the beginning.
So think sustainability. It will serve you and your community well.
Getting more money to do your good work, right? Well, that is really just a small part of it.
Sustainability really focuses on a number of external and internal factors. Factors that are crucial to the support, growth and eventual integration of the programs and services you provide.
Does your organization have policies and partners that support your efforts? Have you established strong, collaborative relationships with them?
Does your organization provide leadership that is clearly committed to the program? Is staff on board with it as well? Do they support the efforts? Do they have the skill it takes to maintain this program within the organization?
The goal is to have the program synthesized into the organization - it becomes a seamless addition to your services. It becomes part of the mission and the culture. It gets to the point where you see the program and can't imagine it never have been there from the beginning.
So think sustainability. It will serve you and your community well.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Your Idea of Yourself
There are lots of things a warrior can do at a certain time which he couldn't do years before. Those things themselves did not change; what changed was his idea of himself.
Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda
Friday, July 11, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Human Resources
Human Resources - what exactly is that? We know it has something to do with how we hire people to work in our nonprofit. All that legal stuff to be aware of in case we have to fire someone. Ensuring that all the proper federal and state forms are filled out for the IRS. But is that all?
Of course not. Human Resources = Human Capital. And like any kind of capital, you don't want it to decrease in value - you want it to grow! So grow your employees! The nonprofit environment, although getting better, isn't always in the position to offer big salaries and lots of pricey perks. But there are lots of other ways to support your employees and keep them enthusiastic and up-to-date with their jobs.
Trainings and professional development. This doesn't need to be high-priced conferences - you can find lots of learning opportunities in your community. Every employee likes a day away from the office to network and hear about ways to make their workday more enjoyable and productive.
Recognition. Even the smallest organization should maintain some type of employee recognition program. Believe it or not, a Certificate of Recognition goes a long way with some employees - inexpensive but it shows the employee that management is noticing and appreciating the good work.
Retreats. Again, they don't have to be held at fancy resorts - but away from the office is a must. Coming together as a group and engaging in team building exercises and planning activities is a great way to get the blood flowing and the enthusiasm way up there. Just make sure the retreat is followed up with some action coming out of the meeting - otherwise the end result will be exactly the opposite of what you want.
Employee Suggestion Program. Encourage employees to speak up and freely express their opinions regarding organizational plans and projects. They are your most valuable resource and they are experienced and dedicated - why not see what they have to say?
So, go take a walk and see what's up out there!
Of course not. Human Resources = Human Capital. And like any kind of capital, you don't want it to decrease in value - you want it to grow! So grow your employees! The nonprofit environment, although getting better, isn't always in the position to offer big salaries and lots of pricey perks. But there are lots of other ways to support your employees and keep them enthusiastic and up-to-date with their jobs.
Trainings and professional development. This doesn't need to be high-priced conferences - you can find lots of learning opportunities in your community. Every employee likes a day away from the office to network and hear about ways to make their workday more enjoyable and productive.
Recognition. Even the smallest organization should maintain some type of employee recognition program. Believe it or not, a Certificate of Recognition goes a long way with some employees - inexpensive but it shows the employee that management is noticing and appreciating the good work.
Retreats. Again, they don't have to be held at fancy resorts - but away from the office is a must. Coming together as a group and engaging in team building exercises and planning activities is a great way to get the blood flowing and the enthusiasm way up there. Just make sure the retreat is followed up with some action coming out of the meeting - otherwise the end result will be exactly the opposite of what you want.
Employee Suggestion Program. Encourage employees to speak up and freely express their opinions regarding organizational plans and projects. They are your most valuable resource and they are experienced and dedicated - why not see what they have to say?
So, go take a walk and see what's up out there!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - New Boards, New Anxiety
I'm serving on a new nonprofit board and I am relearning/reliving all the frustrations that go along with that. Mostly of people outside of the board questioning our path, our plan, our activities. It's tough getting started and building an organization - even tougher when your hard work is always questioned.
BUT...when I stop and think about it all, people question how we handle things because they care. They care about the mission. They care about reaching our goals. They care about being effective and efficient and successful.
I encourage all those out there to not only keep up the questions but to step forward and work closely with these fledgling organizations. If your passion runs deep for the mission, seriously consider becoming a board member. It is the best way to forge the path and build the foundation to ensure ongoing success. Sign Up Today!
BUT...when I stop and think about it all, people question how we handle things because they care. They care about the mission. They care about reaching our goals. They care about being effective and efficient and successful.
I encourage all those out there to not only keep up the questions but to step forward and work closely with these fledgling organizations. If your passion runs deep for the mission, seriously consider becoming a board member. It is the best way to forge the path and build the foundation to ensure ongoing success. Sign Up Today!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Going Digital
The digital world is quickly finding a life within the nonprofit sector. We've come a long way from carbon paper and IBM Selectric typewriters (yes, I really do remember using those!). It can be a daunting task to keep up with technology but you have to do it to stay current.
As funders rely more and more on electronic applications and on-line grant systems, nonprofit organizations need to make sure that staff are trained and fluid in the ways of digitized information. A number of companies are out there that provide software and classes for nonprofits at reduced costs. Tech Soup comes to mind. Look around and find out what other groups are doing, what kind of software they use, how they set up their systems.
Sure, we still have a need for filing cabinets, folders and sticky labels. But at some point all that tactile stuff will be replaced by information stored on Cd's, DVDs, jump drives, hard drives, and servers. You'll be able to look at that data but not really touch it. But it will all be there.
Go ahead and print out a copy now and then. Just for old time's sake.
As funders rely more and more on electronic applications and on-line grant systems, nonprofit organizations need to make sure that staff are trained and fluid in the ways of digitized information. A number of companies are out there that provide software and classes for nonprofits at reduced costs. Tech Soup comes to mind. Look around and find out what other groups are doing, what kind of software they use, how they set up their systems.
Sure, we still have a need for filing cabinets, folders and sticky labels. But at some point all that tactile stuff will be replaced by information stored on Cd's, DVDs, jump drives, hard drives, and servers. You'll be able to look at that data but not really touch it. But it will all be there.
Go ahead and print out a copy now and then. Just for old time's sake.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - New Thinking
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them."
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Nonprofit Leadership
Pick up any nonprofit oriented magazine or journal. Check out major newspapers. They are all saying the same thing: nonprofit organizations need to start planning for the upcoming retirement of a HUGE group of nonprofit executive leaders.
Who is around to take their place? We are woefully behind in recruiting and developing competent and experienced leaders for today's nonprofit environment. We've come so far - while the career ladder at many organizations may still consist of "the last to quit gets to be the director", many groups have embraced human resource planning and recruited leaders with strong management backgrounds. Universities and colleges have created nonprofit management degree programs. There's never been more supports in place to assist nonprofit agencies in their capacity and foundation building.
Nevertheless, we are facing an executive leadership drain in our organizations. We need to be proactive in our strategic planning, identify future gaps in administrative experience and be prepared to support a system that effectively grows leadership. Boards must look far down the organizational road and prepare for the worst to ensure the best.
Who is around to take their place? We are woefully behind in recruiting and developing competent and experienced leaders for today's nonprofit environment. We've come so far - while the career ladder at many organizations may still consist of "the last to quit gets to be the director", many groups have embraced human resource planning and recruited leaders with strong management backgrounds. Universities and colleges have created nonprofit management degree programs. There's never been more supports in place to assist nonprofit agencies in their capacity and foundation building.
Nevertheless, we are facing an executive leadership drain in our organizations. We need to be proactive in our strategic planning, identify future gaps in administrative experience and be prepared to support a system that effectively grows leadership. Boards must look far down the organizational road and prepare for the worst to ensure the best.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Having Vision, Taking Action
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.”
-Joel Barker
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Party with your Funders
So, we all know that fundraising consists of finding organizations and individuals that want to support your cause. When it comes to applying for grants, it is always a good idea to develop a relationship with the funders you have identified as supportive of your mission.
How do you get that relationship going? First off, pick up the phone and give them a call. Introduce yourself and provide some background about your organization and any specific projects you are doing or considering. Even if you don't get funded this time, they will remember you when you try again.
Find out where the funders hang out and go see them! There are a number of conferences geared towards those that provide grant funds. If you can, attend some of these conferences and take full advantage of the opportunity to chat up someone from the Ford Foundation or the Pew Charitable Trusts - you get the point. Consider Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Grants Management Association - all have annual conferences and/or regional meetings you should try to attend. Attending grantmaker conferences also provides insight into the current trends in giving and helps nonprofits to position themselves appropriately when aligning themselves with funders.
Get your questions and your "elevator speech" ready and go mingle!
How do you get that relationship going? First off, pick up the phone and give them a call. Introduce yourself and provide some background about your organization and any specific projects you are doing or considering. Even if you don't get funded this time, they will remember you when you try again.
Find out where the funders hang out and go see them! There are a number of conferences geared towards those that provide grant funds. If you can, attend some of these conferences and take full advantage of the opportunity to chat up someone from the Ford Foundation or the Pew Charitable Trusts - you get the point. Consider Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the National Grants Management Association - all have annual conferences and/or regional meetings you should try to attend. Attending grantmaker conferences also provides insight into the current trends in giving and helps nonprofits to position themselves appropriately when aligning themselves with funders.
Get your questions and your "elevator speech" ready and go mingle!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Training
We all could use a little help, right?
There are many, many training groups out there, providing valuable information for the uninformed or the merely rusty. But many of those come at quite the cost. As a nonprofit, your organization may not have the resources to send your employees to all the trainings that would be beneficial.
Take a look around your community - there are probably many training opportunities that are inexpensive if not out right free. Contact your United Way for a list of links. Get in touch with any universities in the area - they often provide low cost trainings for nonprofit staff. Some schools have entire departments devoted to nonprofit management!
And, of course, check the resource list on this blog - many of these groups can either provide trainings at reasonable costs or get you in touch with groups that can.
So, get out there and fill your brain with all that good stuff!
There are many, many training groups out there, providing valuable information for the uninformed or the merely rusty. But many of those come at quite the cost. As a nonprofit, your organization may not have the resources to send your employees to all the trainings that would be beneficial.
Take a look around your community - there are probably many training opportunities that are inexpensive if not out right free. Contact your United Way for a list of links. Get in touch with any universities in the area - they often provide low cost trainings for nonprofit staff. Some schools have entire departments devoted to nonprofit management!
And, of course, check the resource list on this blog - many of these groups can either provide trainings at reasonable costs or get you in touch with groups that can.
So, get out there and fill your brain with all that good stuff!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Solving Problems
The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.
-Mahatma Gandhi
-Mahatma Gandhi
Friday, January 11, 2008
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Giving Back
As a nonprofit organization, you are always keeping an ear out for potential funding sources. That's a good thing. Once you find those sources, though, what can you do to raise your organization's profile to ensure a better crack at that funding?
One thing you can do is give back to your community. You've probably noticed how the business sector has jumped on the philanthropy train lately. Everything from a percentage of your credit card purchases going to your favorite charity to huge sponsorships of nonprofit events. And of course, there is plenty of marketing to go along with those good deeds...for a very good reason. Giving back is a much appreciated gesture and is looked upon very favorably.
Nonprofits need to give back, too. As the foundation of every communities support system, nonprofits are in the perfect position to not only give back, but to identify the areas where that philanthropy is most needed. Giving back doesn't always equate to donating money - time and talent go a long way. Set up a volunteer committee at your organization and set aside time each month to help out. Look for neighborhood events that your group can contact to assist. Seek out other organizations that share a similar mission and provide some assistance.
And don't forget those press releases! Whenever your organization does something - philanthropioc or otherwise - make sure you let the world know you are out there. It not only raises your profile but it alerts those in need that you are out there for them.
One thing you can do is give back to your community. You've probably noticed how the business sector has jumped on the philanthropy train lately. Everything from a percentage of your credit card purchases going to your favorite charity to huge sponsorships of nonprofit events. And of course, there is plenty of marketing to go along with those good deeds...for a very good reason. Giving back is a much appreciated gesture and is looked upon very favorably.
Nonprofits need to give back, too. As the foundation of every communities support system, nonprofits are in the perfect position to not only give back, but to identify the areas where that philanthropy is most needed. Giving back doesn't always equate to donating money - time and talent go a long way. Set up a volunteer committee at your organization and set aside time each month to help out. Look for neighborhood events that your group can contact to assist. Seek out other organizations that share a similar mission and provide some assistance.
And don't forget those press releases! Whenever your organization does something - philanthropioc or otherwise - make sure you let the world know you are out there. It not only raises your profile but it alerts those in need that you are out there for them.
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