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 - 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 - 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.