When you’re in a leadership position for a nonprofit, it’s all about passion. You’re driven by your desire to make a difference in the world, and you work tirelessly to make that happen. But as any nonprofit manager will tell you, there are plenty of challenges along the way. From fundraising to managing a tight budget; overseeing the day-to-day operations and long-term growth, there’s a lot to keep track of. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, the top three trends nonprofits continue to experience are: 1) limited resources, 2) increased demands stemming from increased needs in the community, and 3) growing awareness that every nonprofit and board member needs to be an active, vocal advocate for their nonprofit’s mission to affect policies in the community and at a national level. Thankfully, with the right team and organizational strategy, you can navigate those challenges successfully.
I recently hosted a panel discussion about each of these trends with three nonprofit industry leaders. Here is some insight, advice, and a few practical tips collected from that conversation.
Do More with Less
One of the biggest challenges for any nonprofit is managing limited resources. Whether it’s a lack of volunteers, money, or supplies, every nonprofit has to figure out how to make the most of what they have.
“In terms of having limited resources during the pandemic, it was important that we identify the immediate needs of the community and shift our efforts to that need so that we provided the most value while using our founds efficiently.” Lisa McDonald, CEO, Advancing Impact Consulting
Nonprofit organizations are often run on a tight budget. Every penny counts, so it is important to make the most of every resource you have. Here are some tips for how to do just that:
- Make sure all your staff are well-trained and know what their roles are. This will help them be more efficient and effective in their work.
- Develop a good system for tracking donations and expenses. This will help you stay organized and keep track of where your money is going.
- Keep communication open with your donors and volunteers. Let them know what their contributions are helping to achieve, and show gratitude for their support.
These simple steps can go a long way in helping you run a successful nonprofit organization on a limited budget.
Manage Effectively
As the needs of the community continue to grow, so too do the demands placed on nonprofit organizations. While these organizations are always striving to do more with less, there is only so much that can be accomplished without adequate resources. This is where management comes in. Effective management is essential for nonprofits to not only survive but thrive.
“Operationally, get really crystal clear, quantitatively and through graphical depiction examine what the needs are in the community. Then, tie that to an aspirational vision of what your organization wants to create and reorganize your efforts to fulfill that vision.” Brendon Miller, Chief Development and Communications Officer, WACIF
By efficiently utilizing volunteers, donations, and other resources, nonprofits can make the most impact on the lives of those they serve. In today’s climate, efficient management is more important than ever for nonprofits to meet the increasing demands placed upon them. Here are a few tips to help you run your nonprofit efficiently:
- Keep detailed records of all your income and expenses. This will help you stay on top of your budget and make sure that you are using your resources wisely.
- Develop a good system for tracking donations and volunteer hours. This will help you evaluate your progress and identify areas where you may need more assistance.
- Communicate regularly with your board of directors and staff members. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the organization’s mission.
- Be prepared to make adjustments to your plans as needed. Things change, and you need to be flexible in order to continue achieving your mission.
Advocacy is Key
While it is important for nonprofits to have a dedicated team of staff and board members who are passionate about their mission, it is not enough to simply maintain the status quo. In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected world, every nonprofit and board member needs to be an active, vocal advocate for their nonprofit’s mission in order to effect change at the community and national level. This means engaging in public policy debates, writing letters to lawmakers, and using social media to raise awareness about the issues that matter most to your nonprofit. It also means working with other nonprofits and activists to build coalitions and amplify your voice. In short, advocacy is essential for any nonprofit that wants to create lasting change.
“Particularly, when it comes to pursuing funding, it’s important to do the job ‘right’. The right person has to ask the right funder at the right time for the right amount and for the right reason. Always incorporate research in your fundraising efforts.” Leon Seemann, Senior Executive Consultant, Consult with Leon
Stick to Your Strategic Plan
A strategic plan is essential for any non-profit organization, big or small. It helps keep you organized and focused on your goals, while also providing a roadmap to reaching them. However, all too often we get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of running our organizations and lose sight of our strategic objectives. Here are a few tips on how to keep your strategy plan top of mind, so that you can stay on track towards achieving your organizational goals.
“Consider the impact that you want your organization to make. This will help you keep your day-to-day activities on track with your strategic plan.” Bola Audena, Partner, MBA Growth Partners
- Schedule quarterly check-ins with your team to review your progress and identify any areas where you may have veered off course.
- Make sure everyone in your organization is aware of the strategic plan and knows their role in helping to achieve the goals.
- Assign responsibility for specific goals to individuals or teams, so that there is accountability for results.
- Hold an annual retreat to review your progress and set new goals for the coming year.
As you can see, there are many challenges that come with managing a nonprofit organization. However, by being proactive and understanding the unique needs of your nonprofit, you can overcome these challenges and create a successful operation. What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced when running your nonprofit? How did you overcome them? Let us know in the comments below!
