Six things Nonprofits should do to have a more successful year
Running an organization often brings lots of to do’s that get lost in the list shuffle. So when reminders cross your path take it as an opportunity to focus on those things that need your attention right away. Taking care of something today often comes back as a benefit of business tomorrow.
1. Fundraising donations – make contact with a corporation and your accountant for the last minute contributions businesses need to write-off to count towards last year tax returns. Don’t forget to remind them the donation can be in products, services, financial, building and equipment. Whatever donation given to your organization that is not necessary can in turn be sold at auction, EBay, etc. for general funds to the nonprofit. Even if this option does not work for this year, keep developing the relationship for scheduled donations during the current year.
2. Leadership development – contact someone you would like to be on your board so you can start developing the relationship to seal the deal. Look for someone who has some expertise in an area your organization is lacking and has fundraising experience or strong networking contacts for potential donations.
3. Marketing optimization – review your marketing plan for potential updates of opportunities to promote the organization to the local community or regional or national possibility. Is your organization embracing the electronic marketing world? When was the last time you looked at your website for potential improvements? Agencies that don’t regularly update the information often overlook taking the time to at least review the content quarterly. Second, contact a billboard company to determine their policy for donating space to nonprofit organizations and start preparing to be the selected agency.
4. Training – schedule into your budget and calendar to attend a conference this year to help understand the nonprofit industry changes occurring with the economy changes. If you cannot afford the price, ask how to be a volunteer.
5. Strategic planning – If the organization still does not have its charitable tax-exempt status, hire a consultant to assist in the process. Nonprofit consultants can help relieve the pressure of the process and facilitate understanding in unfamiliar subjects of question. If you have completed this process, make time to review your SWOT analysis or Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Make sure your positives are still functioning at a strong level and develop a way to move negatives over to the positive categories.
6. Plant and equipment - Finally, review your technology needs for the organization to work more efficiently. There are grant opportunities for assistance in this specific area that are available to helping make the agency more effective in time management of human resources and providing services to those that need your help.
Tamiko Leverette is a writer for Christian Business Today and a nonprofit consultant for strategic planning and organizational development, and host of the nonprofit television show, Dreams Are Not for Profit. If you would like more detailed information or a topic you would like to have discussed, contact info@nonprofitdreams.com.
Category : Existing Nonprofit &Planning Posted on January 23, 2010