Every organization survives and thrives on the talent of its employees. That’s why it’s strategically important to have a steady pipeline of talented people ready to assume the next important role in your organization.
This is true from the very bottom to the tip-top of the organizational chart. You want the best people for every job, knowing that some positions will be easier to fill than others. (more…)
Every industry sector has its risks, and nonprofit organizations are no different. When it comes to risk management, identifying risk is only part of the battle. Once risks are recognized, you need a plan to address them with changes in policy or procedures.
While adequate insurance—directors and officers liability or property and casualty coverage, for example—is essential to managing risk, your organization must also assess activities which, if poorly managed, might get in the way of its mission.
Managing risk for a nonprofit organization often includes three main areas: money, people, and reputation. (more…)
Competition for donations is only getting tougher. With many in-person events canceled, a well-designed donation web page is essential. Fundraising research firm, Next After, has many suggestions to make your donation page effective, engaging, and easy to use. Here are a few: (more…)
It’s not easy to get donors to come back. Indeed, just getting a donor to give once is a big first step. Continually strengthening donor relations is important to your ongoing success.
Consider the state of donor retention. According to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project, which is a quarterly report compiled by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Urban Institute, donor retention hovers around 45 percent.
This means that more than 50 percent of donors don’t continue with a given cause. And it’s no surprise that early reporting for 2020 indicates a further increase in attrition.
How can your organization buck this trend? Here are three steps to consider: (more…)
Not all nonprofit organizations are required to have an independent audit of their financial statements. However, there are several circumstances that trigger a mandatory audit, including expending $750,000 or more per year in federal funds. Many state and federal contracts, bank loans, and private foundations may also require audited financials.
As important as they are, audits can be time-consuming, costly, and frustrating for nonprofit organizations, their boards, and staff. To ensure that the process goes smoothly, here are five ways to prepare: (more…)
The Women Give 2020 report by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at Indiana University explores giving and technology through a gender lens. It’s no surprise that the study concludes that there are differences in how women and men give and how they use technology and social networks in their giving.
The study used data from four case studies—Charity Navigator’s Giving Basket, GlobalGiving, Givelify, and Global Impact’s Grow Fund—to discern how women and men give via online platforms and apps. (more…)
Unfortunately, the pandemic has inspired scammers to figure out new ways to defraud and take advantage of individuals and organizations. With larger numbers of employees working remotely, your organization is at a higher-than-usual risk of fraud and cyber threats.
Here are seven ideas to help keep your employees and your organization safer: (more…)
Health officials have reminded us to be vigilant and smart as we go about our daily lives. The same is true for fundraising moving forward.
Don’t Stop
Studies have shown that organizations that stopped fundraising immediately after a crisis like 9/11 had a significantly harder time recovering financially than those that kept going. There is an inevitable decrease in donor activity during a crisis, but it’s critical for your organization to continue its efforts. Expect that there will be less to go around as donors reconsider their own financial situations. (more…)
COVID-19 has affected populations and economies around the globe. There is a palpable sense of unease as circumstances change daily. One thing to consider is that many of the world’s best innovations were conceived during the most challenging times.
By adjusting the way you operate, you may be able to not only bridge the crisis, but actually come out stronger. Here are some ideas to set your organization on the right path. (more…)