Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Development Days

Not to beat a dead horse, but the economy just isn't looking any brighter at the moment. In browsing through online job announcements, you can't help but notice the inordinate amount of jobs for development officers, development staff, development gurus. Even the Executive Director jobs require 95% of the duties to be fund development.

I think that's a good barometer for the current climate of our nonprofit bank accounts. You also see nonprofits merging - another option to stay afloat and maintain the community's services. And what do you know about development? Maybe you have your own niche area - you can write a great grant proposal. Or you launch really intense capital campaigns. Or you are the organizer of fabulous special events.

Now is the time to broaden your skill set. Move outside of your comfort zone and step into a new area. Afraid to make the Big Ask? Ask yourself why....because they might say no? Nonsense - even if they say no, at least now they know who you are. And they'll tell their friends, and they'll tell their friends, and so on and so on and so on.

Be your organization's cheerleader. Go out there and talk about the good you do. Tell the stories of community strength and resilience. Even if they say no thanks, they'll say it with a smile. And they won't forget you.

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Tough Times are Tough

Well, could the current economy hit the nonprofit communities any harder? The resources out there were bleak enough before...now the competition for those resources is even tougher. What's a nonprofit to do?

First off, your board needs to take a long hard look at what is going on - internally and externally. Are the programs and services you offer effective, efficient and necessary? Sometimes we hold on to our "faves" - those activities that, at one time, held a special place in the collective heart of the board members, staff and constituents. Over time, though, we may outgrow these activities and our community and consumers may not even need them anymore. A thorough evaluation of all program offerings may yield a few overpriced offerings that don't really need to be offered anymore.

Second, put on the front burner all those plans to get organized about fundraising. Now is the time - don't wait. Never had any luck with writing for a grant? Take a class. Not sure what an Annual Campaign is? Go get a book, google, talk to others in the field. Join your local chapter of the Society for Fundraising Executives. Find out who in private industry has a special affinity for your mission. Practice being your extrovert self in the mirror - then get out there, shake some hands, introduce yourself, your organization, your story. And ask for a contribution. Again. And again. And again.

Third. Make sure your staff feels the love. Times are tough. Give them a place where peace prevails and optimism shines through. Keep your people - you need them more than they need you.

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Boards Get Their Hands Dirty

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!!!

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - A Penny Here, A Penny There

It's what we need to keep our organizations going - funds. We often think in terms of getting a penny here, a nickel there, perhaps a dime and a quarter now and then. But nonprofits need to be thinking bigger - go for the bucks!

If your organization is new, young and just getting started this is a valuable lesson to learn early on. No matter how small your group is, you provide vital, necesary services and you deserve the funding you need to keep those services going. Think BIG! Certainly any amount that goes to meet the bottom line helps but don't sell yourself short.

Take your fundraising needs and efforts seriously. Get involved with fundraising colleagues in your community, talk with partnering organizations about their efforts. Learn from the experienced!