Managing a non-profit organization is never a walk in the park. Regardless of whether it is a well-established international charity organization or it caters to the children, the elderly, or a sports team.
You definitely need the right knowledge and skills to manage any kind of non-profit organization. From securing funding to organizing and overseeing programs, many NPO organization managers often find themselves stretched thin and overwhelmed.
Nevertheless, it becomes easier with smarter workflows and having well-established priorities. You will also need management strategies that are tried and proven to accelerate meaningful growth. So, are you looking forward to starting a non-profit organization or already running one and in need of management tips and tricks? Well, you’re looking at the right page.
Here are some tips you can borrow on how to perfectly manage your non-profit organization.
1. Good Planning
Good planning is the key to a successful non-profit organization. Also, a good management plan should be reviewed on an ongoing basis and with the end goal in mind. Nonetheless, the type of plan will also depend on the size and the nature of your organization. For instance, if you’re just getting started, you may have short-term planning then scale up as you become more experienced and as your non-profit scales up.
Good planning also goes hand in hand with realistic goals. For instance, if you’re running a non-profit organization that feeds homeless people, you may aim at providing two meals a day for 300 people even if currently you can manage one meal a day for 100 homeless people. With a specific goal, then you can be able to strategize on how to achieve them.
2. Non-Profit Doesn’t Mean For-Loss
Running a non-profit organization requires funding, just like any other business. Well, most of the funding comes from donors, members, and volunteers. In the process of raising funds, your NPO might have to spend some money, but this shouldn’t mean incurring losses. As the folks at Diven advise, it is more advantageous to have a dedicated expert managing your donors, volunteers, and members. This way, you can have more time to focus on managing tasks and operations directly related to your goals, objectives, and programs. This way, you can also raise more funds:
- With minimal costs
- In less time
- From happier donors
- Working with happier members and volunteers
Additionally, achieving the organization’s objectives becomes easier.
3. Choose a Reputable Board of Directors
A reliable board of directors plays an integral part in the success of your non-profit organization. It helps you in setting the right direction for the organization. The big question here revolves around, who should and shouldn’t be on the board. This is because, if you’re not keen enough, some members of the board might be in for the wrong reasons.
Nevertheless, choosing the right board of directors for your NPO doesn’t have to be daunting. You just need to start by clearly stating what you want and then keenly identify if the potential members or nominees have the skills and attributes required from your envisioned board members. Also, it goes a long way to let them know why it is important for them to help you, clearly outlining the specific roles and responsibilities that will be delegated to them.
4. You Will Need Reliable Volunteers
To run a successful non-profit organization, you will definitely need a reliable team of volunteers. In fact, committed volunteers are the backbone of almost all non-profit organizations out there. Without a committed and dedicated team of active volunteers, it would be hard to accomplish your objectives. For instance, when feeding the homeless, you will need assistance with meal preparations, packaging, and distribution. Additionally, ensure your volunteers have their roles clearly defined. They should also understand the organizations’ vision, mission, and policies. Avoid overwhelming your volunteers, and don’t forget to recognize/reward them appropriately.
5. Take Care of Your Team
Often, as a non-profit organization, you will be addressing issues that are urgent, serious, and life-changing. As a result, your team members can experience burnout. Therefore, you must ensure they have plenty of time to relax, re-energize and refuel. Also, it is your responsibility to ensure that your team understands the importance of being mindful of each other. For instance, your team should take some time at least every week to celebrate the small victories and milestones achieved.
Managing a non-profit organization can be a daunting task, more so to newbies or those without a lot of knowledge and skills in this industry. You are always presented with urgent and life-changing situations to attend to. Luckily, the tips in this article can help you manage your non-profit organization like a pro.
