Nonprofits -- A Brilliant Resource -- Inside Philanthropy Blog

 Nonprofit Sector Knowledge = Survival

Nonprofits + Economy = A long harsh winter.  Or does it?

So many nonprofits have been hit by this seemingly unending harsh economy.  Reduced funding from state sources, foundations and donors comes at a time when the demand for service has risen substantially.  Now is the time for nonprofits to build capacity through knowledge of their own industry.  As a member of the nonprofit sector, ask yourself, how well do I understand the industry -- where it has been, what is happening now and where is it going?

How can management, board and staff be more informed? What are the emerging issues in the sector or best practices by your colleagues?  Is it time to merge or return to the basics?

I have an outstanding resource for you -- Inside Philanthropy -- a blog flown under the banner of the Philanthropy Journal.  Extremely well-written and timely, this blog offers both insightful articles and informative reports.  It is a must-read for today's savvy nonprofits.      http://philanthropyjournal.blogspot.com/

Happy and informative reading,
DCR

Nonprofits: Develop your case for support (CFS)...

It is simple, right...everyone in your community is willing to support your nonprofit (NP) mission?  The answer, is, most likely, "Yes, it is a great cause."   Are you feeling the disconnect between mission awareness and the donations yet?

Put your best image forward

Community support for your mission is cultivated through relationship-building, visibility, credibility and community involvement -- and that is the external part!  Work takes place internally as well, i.e., mission awareness, media strategy awareness and compliance, social media program...just to name a few.

Here is a great test. Pretend you aren't in the NP sector. Decide to make a cash donation to a local non-profit.  What is it you want to know about that organization -- where does the money go; are they mission faithful; are they top-heavy with administration; how are they successful; do they have community support; how many volunteers; who is on the board; how are they funded?

Now answer these questions for your own organization and you are well on your way to building your own case for support CFS).  You want each and every staff member, board member and volunteer to have a good understanding of your mission and CFS -- and be able to communicate it.  Developing it doesn't have to be tedious, long and boring -- as a matter of fact, your CFS shouldn't be take all that long to explain -- the verbal portion -- 5 mins. A print version is another story.  Your CFS is what positions your NP for grants, fundraising, donations and planned giving and most importantly, community support.

Developing a Case For Support...some thoughts

•  Begin with your mission statement. You may want to reevaluate it. Many donors decide to give based on how your mission matches his/her values. Demonstrate how your NP addresses specific needs in the community – make it real for the donor.
• Provide statistics on the success of your programs and show long-term benefits.
• Impress a sense of urgency or “call to action” and tell them why keeping your doors open is good for the community.
• Generate excitement. Use short sentences and paragraphs. Highlight important information with bullets and in boxes. Refine, refine, refine…until the passion and commitment that everyone in your organization brings to the table, shines in every sentence.

Best wishes,
Nonprofits add strength to the community.
Diana