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
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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.
Monday, December 10, 2007
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!
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!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Strategic Planning
OK, it sounds kind of dull and boring - Strategic Planning. What? Sit around and talk about goals and objectives? For things in the future? We've got stuff to do now!
But really, developing a strong Strategic Plan is one of the best things you can do for your organization. And it is one of the first things that gets put on the back burner, especially with young, small and cash poor groups. It seems there is too much to accomplish in the here and now to stop and take some time and talk about the future.
But the time is always well spent. Pick a day when your board members can gather together and "vision" about the organization's future direction. Depending on your group, specific staff and volunteers may be invited to participate as well. Sometimes bringing in an outside, objective and experienced consultant can help in getting the plan underway. But don't forget, no matter who helps to develop the plan, the Board of Directors/Trustees are responsible for adopting it and ensuring the organization adheres to it.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're done with the Strategic Plan once you've typed it all up and distributed copies and put it in a folder. Think of if as a fluid, ongoing plan and use it as your road map as the organization grows and moves forward. Reveiw it quarterly and make updates when necessary.
Going through a good and indepth Strategic Planning session can really be motivating! You see all that you want and can accomplish for the organization. Your understanding of the mission is clear and detailed. You're ready to conquer all!
Now, go plan!
But really, developing a strong Strategic Plan is one of the best things you can do for your organization. And it is one of the first things that gets put on the back burner, especially with young, small and cash poor groups. It seems there is too much to accomplish in the here and now to stop and take some time and talk about the future.
But the time is always well spent. Pick a day when your board members can gather together and "vision" about the organization's future direction. Depending on your group, specific staff and volunteers may be invited to participate as well. Sometimes bringing in an outside, objective and experienced consultant can help in getting the plan underway. But don't forget, no matter who helps to develop the plan, the Board of Directors/Trustees are responsible for adopting it and ensuring the organization adheres to it.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're done with the Strategic Plan once you've typed it all up and distributed copies and put it in a folder. Think of if as a fluid, ongoing plan and use it as your road map as the organization grows and moves forward. Reveiw it quarterly and make updates when necessary.
Going through a good and indepth Strategic Planning session can really be motivating! You see all that you want and can accomplish for the organization. Your understanding of the mission is clear and detailed. You're ready to conquer all!
Now, go plan!
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)
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:
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!
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!
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!
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!
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