Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Be Thankful

The end of the year is quickly approaching. For some organizations, December offers some downtime before the new year begins fresh with projects. For others, this is the crunch time to get things done before the year is out. Whichever it is for you and your organization, take minute to sit back and savor a few quiet moments.

I know a lot of folks that have been doing the "What am I Thankful for Today?" exercise in preparation for Thanksgiving. Try this as it relates to your work...what are you thankful for when it comes to what your group has been able to accomplish this year? For me, the list is long but some of the top contenders include:

I'm thankful we were able to reach others.
I'm thankful we were able to lower the risk for our customers.
I'm thankful our budget balanced!
I'm thankful I work with such wonderful people.
And mostly,
I'm thankful that my organization made a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Holidays!

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Commitment

What do we really mean when we commit?

It is a pledge, a trust put forth to accomplish an agreed upon goal. The commitment may be between two people or organizations. Or, it may be an agreement with one's self - a personal commitment.

In the nonprofit world, we talk about our commitment to the mission, to the vision, to the process. But we don't always walk the walk. It is easy to sit around a board table and get jazzed up about what we are committed to, what we will accomplish. But the meeting's over, we go our separate ways and later wonder why nothing really happened.

Commitment means jumping in. All the way in. Getting things done. Take a look around...is your organization committed to doing what it needs to do to succeed? Are you personally committed? If not, it is time for some serious reflection - lack of committed action happens for a number of reasons.

Maybe you have too many irons in the fire - the nonprofit sector often overextends itself. Maybe this isn't what you bargained for - you don't always know what you're getting into up front. Or maybe you just need to step back, take a look around and decide if it's still right for you. And if it's not, move on - there's always another cause out there that could use you. Where you can truly feel your commitment and be successful.

And if you've still got that commitment? Spread it around, people, spread it around.

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Be of Service

How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?Vincent Van Gogh

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 - 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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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!