Where to Look for Prospective Board Members

This recent article talked about the purpose of the Board of Directors in a nonprofit organization. Nonprofit Boards are made up of caring citizens who give of their time, talent and treasure to help make our community a better place. These people sound awesome, right? The challenge lies with where to find them. Any organization that hopes to survive and thrive long term, must find individuals willing to serve, bring them together, and form them into an effective governing body. 

Agencies often want to know where they can find these unicorn-like volunteers. While it’s true that it can be challenging to find these people, it’s not impossible. Twenty-five percent of American adults volunteer their time. And I would argue that we can grow that number simply by asking people and connecting them with meaningful opportunities. 

This article will explore three sources for finding volunteers. Before you start recruiting, there are a few things you will want to have in place: 

  • First, you need to be clear on the expectations you will have of your Board members. It’s hard for volunteers to say yes if they don’t know what will be expected of them. 
  • Second, establish a process for recruiting. Bringing on a new Board member should be similar to dating. You would not ask someone to marry you on the first date. Similarly, you don’t want to invite someone to be on your governance Board if you don’t really know them, and they don’t fully understand you and your organization. 
  • Lastly, be prepared to put your volunteers to work. So many agencies have Board members who come to meetings and listen to everything going on in the operations of the organization. This is not a valuable use of their time! It quickly leads to either disengagement or volunteers taking on work that is outside the scope of what the Board should be focusing on. 

Even though you may have work to do in creating your agency expectations, recruiting process, and board focus; now is a great time to start exploring sources for volunteers. Since recruiting should be a process, not an event – you have time to work on those pieces while you identify and build relationships with prospective Board members. 

Board prospects fall into three tiers: 

    1. People who KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST you
    2. Those who care about strengthening the community
    3. Lucky connections

TIER 1: People who KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST you

In order to register for nonprofit status, an agency must list three Board members on the paperwork. The majority of Founders know very little about what it means to have a Board. Because of this, they usually ask three friends or family members to allow them to list their names on the document. Having not been given expectations, properly recruited, or assigned meaningful work this group usually ends up being ineffective. This whole experience leads Founders to be leery of this first category of prospects. 

Despite the tendency to be cautious of Tier 1 prospects, this is the very best place to look for Board volunteers. That doesn’t necessarily mean that your mom will make a great Board member. What it does mean is that people who understand your work, who care about your cause because they care about you, and who benefit from or partner to deliver your services – are great prospects.

Friends and family may be good prospects if they are passionate about the mission; not just because they are friends and family. Constituents can be great Board prospects because they know first hand the value of your programs. Partnering or referral agencies may have staff who want to more deeply engage in helping with the critical social issue your agency is addressing. 

Below is a list of places to look for Tier 1 prospects. Consider each group and see if you can think of one or two people in each category who you think might be interested in learning more about your agency. 

      • Friends and family 
      • Social groups
      • Church groups
      • Colleagues
      • Former clients
      • Friends or family of clients
      • Organizations who you partner with or who refer to your agency
      • Businesses the agency patronizes

Tier 2: Those who care about strengthening the community

Tier 2 prospects are those who know little to nothing about your organization. However, they are people who are engaged in their community and who actively seek opportunities to get involved and give back. These individuals are the ones who – once inspired – take action to address the issues in their community. 

You can find Tier 2 folks pretty easily. These are the people who are already involved and working to make the community a better place to live, work and play. Every community has multiple places where Tier 2 people hang out. Some of those include: 

      • Service Clubs – ie: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs, Jaycees, etc. 
      • Women’s Clubs – cities and towns of any size have some sort of group like this
      • Networking Groups – some are more philanthropic minded than others
      • Young Professionals Groups – our younger generations are very interested in giving back; in addition they often see volunteering as a way to make a name for themselves
      • Community Foundations – the staff at these organization tend to know who is interested in connecting with certain causes
      • Professional Associations – look to the major industries in your community, their professionals will often come together and be looking to get involved
      • Businesses that have a vested interest in your mission and your success
      • Other Nonprofit Volunteers – this isn’t about stealing volunteers, it’s about helping people deepen their impact in their community 

The people you will find through these avenues are excellent prospects for several reasons. They clearly like to be involved. They are often at a point in their career where they have a little more flexibility and freedom to give their time in the community. And these prospects tend to have more discretionary income and influential connections; both valuable assets to bring onto your Board. 

Scheduling a meeting with your Chamber Director or your Nonprofit Business Librarian can help you determine which groups exist in your community and which would be the best ones to start with. Google can also help you see what’s available in your area. Once you have some sources, reach out to them. Get yourself invited. See if you can speak to their group. Work on nurturing these groups into friends of your organization. The people who show the most interest in your work should be added to your Board prospect list. 

Tier 3: Lucky connections

The third tier of prospects come from broadcasting your needs and seeing who responds. Very good Board members can come out of this category, but it’s more a matter of luck than of strategy. Here are some options for attracting Tier 3 prospects:

      • Online matching sites – Board Source, www.boardmemberconnect.com, BoardnetUSA, Bridgespan, Idealist.org, Volunteer Match, Tap Root, LinkedIn Board Connect
      • Flyers – coffee shops, grocery stores, in-house, library, local gathering spots, businesses that promote employee volunteerism 
      • Social Media – agency’s pages, groups, ads 

Tier 3 is the easiest way to try and attract Board prospects, but also the least effective. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore these options. It simply means that this is where you should spend the least amount of time and resources. 

Recruiting Board members starts with relationship building. It involves doing the hard work of getting out, sharing your passion, and connecting people to your cause. Ensuring that the organization survives and thrives long after the founder has retired requires a strong Board of Directors built on healthy relationships. Use these sources to start building your list of Board prospects. 

If your agency needs help identifying, recruiting and empowering effective Board members, I would love to help! Email me at Kim@Athena-CoCo.com to learn more. Let’s connect!

Kim Stewart

Kim is a mom, lover of being active and the outdoors,
and helper of nonprofits and small businesses.
kim@athena-coco.com

Mission Monday ~ Cool Science

Cool Science is all about making science – actually Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math (STEAM) – cool for kids; just like sports, music and art!  They do this by traveling throughout Colorado, bringing their unique blend of cool demonstration shows and hands-on STEAM activities to elementaries, middle schools, and libraries. 

Driven by a desire for community involvement, this nonprofit organization was started in 2002 by an Intel employee. As leadership and partnerships have changed, Cool Science has evolved. Currently a staff of 1-2 run the operations, engaging many volunteers in program delivery. Programming includes demonstration shows, hands-on labs, and science nights/STEAM nights at over 200 schools and libraries per year. The hallmark event for this agency is the Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival. This 9-day event takes place in the fall attracting over 15,000 participants with more than 70 activities for all ages. 

What differentiates Cool Science from many other groups is that their leaders and key volunteers are actual scientists, engineers, and educators. These professionals give of their time because they know the value of exposing children to STEAM education. Improving creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and confidence are just a few of the benefits. Best of all, Cool Science programming is provided at a very low cost or free. Schools are never turned away because of an inability to pay.

Marc Straub has led Cool Science as the Executive Director since 2015. Even though they have been doing this important work for over 20-years, Marc still doesn’t feel like people really know much about them. As an agency working to develop our future leaders, they would like to expand the awareness of Cool Science. 

Increased visibility would help with their biggest challenge of volunteer recruitment. Cool Science is always seeking “science confident” volunteers who enjoy interacting with kids to assist with program delivery. In addition, they are currently looking to grow their Board. Skills that would help advance their cause include public relations, communications, marketing, and event planning. To learn more or get involved click here or email Marc directly.

What is a Nonprofit Anyway?

In my thirty-years of experience leading nonprofit organizations, I have heard a lot of interesting questions. In my early years of nonprofit work, I had similar questions. A recent conversation with a friend made me realize that these questions might be more common than I had realized. So I thought I would share the answers to these three common questions:

What makes a nonprofit a nonprofit?

Who owns a nonprofit?

What’s the point of a Board?

What makes a nonprofit a nonprofit?

On the surface, the word “nonprofit” seems to tell you exactly what it is. However, the name is a bit misleading. Nonprofit organizations can, and often do, produce a profit through their operations. And that is perfectly fine. 

The difference between a nonprofit and a for-profit is that when a for-profit organization makes money, someone or multiple people make a profit. When a nonprofit organization produces a surplus, those funds go back into the organization. The reinvestment can be in the form of equipment, staff training, investments, and more.

Nonprofit organizations exist for purposes other than generating revenue. Their purpose is to address a critical social need and contribute to the greater good of the community, region, world, etc. To be clear, a nonprofit is a business. As such, they must function like one. Nonprofits must pay their bills, follow employment laws, and manage their finances; just like a for-profit. 

Since nonprofits exist to make the world a better place, the IRS rewards them with a tax exempt status. That is the deal that is made when a nonprofit is formed. The organization works to improve the world and the IRS gives them tax relief.

Who owns a nonprofit? 

This is probably the most confusing part of nonprofits for people to grasp. The short answer is that no one owns a nonprofit. Not the founder, not the Executive Director, and no one on the Board. 

That being said, it’s okay to think of the community, or the constituents served by the organization, as the “owners”. These are the people the organization benefits. Not through profit, rather with programs, services, and products. 

An organization that works to reduce poverty serves the whole community. The community can be considered the “owners” of that agency. A nonprofit that provides hygiene products to girls in third world countries, serves a smaller subset of the community, their constituents are the girls they support. Those girls could be considered the “owners”. 

A for-profit business is led by the owner(s). That is who makes decisions about how the business is run. However, an organization cannot possibly be led by an entire community. Same goes for girls on the other side of the world, it’s not feasible for them to provide organizational oversight. So that’s where the Board comes in!

What’s the point of a Board?

Since an entire community or constituency cannot lead an organization, a Board of Directors exists to represent the community/constituency. The Board is a select group of volunteers – always volunteers. Their role is to lead and make decisions in the best interest of the constituents. 

The Board of Directors is responsible for setting the mission, vision and strategic direction. Simply put, these are the promises the agency makes to their constituents. It’s the Board’s role to ensure that the organization has the human and financial resources needed to fulfill the promises made. Additionally, the Board ensures the organization meets all of their fiscal and legal requirements. 

Founders and Executive Directors can sometimes question the need for Board members. They often minimize the importance or the value of a Board. Sometimes engaging volunteers in the leadership of the organization can seem like just one more thing on a long list of expectations. I’m here to tell you, not only is a Board required, it may be the most important component of a nonprofit organization. 

A Board of Directors engages regular people in the community and activates them to make their world a better place. And really, that’s the point. In addition to engaging Board volunteers, best practices drive the Board to engage even more people with their cause through storytelling, fundraising, events, committees, volunteerism, and sponsorships. A crucial and valuable role of nonprofits is to activate community members in the work of making their community great.

Are you looking to get engaged in your community? I know a LOT of nonprofit organizations and could help you get connected and involved with a cause you are passionate about. Want to explore how to create an effective and impactful Board of Directors? I would love to help! Email me at Kim@Athena-CoCo.com to learn more. Let’s connect!

Kim Stewart

Kim is a mom, lover of being active and the outdoors,
and helper of nonprofits and small businesses.
kim@athena-coco.com 

Mission Monday ~ BCC Evolution

At BCC Evolution they believe our world is in a mental health crisis. And they are working to do something about it! Their mission is to empower people to speak out and get educated about mental health and suicide, so that we have an army of everyday people that can assist those in need.

Founder and Executive Director, Kelli Hansen, was inspired to start BCC Evolution following the death of her sister by suicide in 2018. Kelli believes that education and awareness will help to reduce the stigma related to mental health, and in turn it will save lives. Through a variety of classes and programs, Kelli and her team provide tools and understanding that help with responding to mental health challenges. 

The vision for BCC Evolution is to expand throughout the country and beyond, in order to drive significant impact with this crucial issue. Like many nonprofit organizations, funding is the biggest obstacle that Kelli and her team face as they strive to scale up. They are starting the grant process, and have held a few events. If you would like to support this cause you can help “make mental health matter” by going here.

When asked what she wished people knew about BCC Evolution, Kelli replied that she wishes more people wanted to take steps towards caring for their mental health. Based on that desire, it makes sense that this agency was named for Kelli’s sister. BCC stands for Because Carrie Cared. Email Kelli if you would like to get involved or learn more. 

Nonprofits Fail – Here’s Seven Reasons Why by Tracy Ebarb

Why Do Nonprofits Fail? Does it seem a bit crowded in here?

A few years ago, during his presidential campaign, Dr. Ben Carson made the statement that 90% of nonprofits fail within a few years. While Dr. Carson’s statement was largely hyperbole, it did call to attention the alarming rate of both nonprofit failure and ineffectiveness. The real data from National Center on Charitable Statistics reveals that approximately 30% of nonprofits fail to exist after 10 years, and according to Forbes, over half of all nonprofits that are chartered are destined to fail or stall within a few years due to leadership issues and the lack of a strategic plan, among other things.

There are currently over 1.5 million tax exempt non profits in the US.

In Texas alone, there are about 106,000 non profits, about 1 for every 4000 people.

In recent years the “overhead problem” has begun to be addressed. The irony is that we did this to ourselves in the first place. Instead of clearly communicating WHY an organization needed money to be invested in overhead, virtually all nonprofits educated donors that money spent on overhead was bad! We created that story by showcasing that operating on a shoe string budget was a badge of honor. However, when we do that we are actually perpetuating and encouraging a ‘race to the bottom’ mentality where success is measured by how little we spend, not by the impact we have.

Time and time again, we see research that shows the organizations that invest in technology, talent, and professional development end up making greater gains. The old adage from the for-profit world, “You have to spend money to make money”, is widely accepted — but not so, in the nonprofit world. In The Rise and Fail of Charities in the 21st Century, Elsey points out that “Nonprofits should not be having a conversation with donors about how little they are spending. They should instead be speaking to them about how much impact they are having relative to their budget….It should not be a badge of honor to be proud of operating on a shoestring budget.”

Remember, when you stick with the “Tin Cup” mentality and fear asking for an investment —you’re missing an excellent opportunity to articulate to donors the reason you need them and their funding and how they are helping to increase impact.

Also, don’t forget – 501c3 is a tax status, not a business model.

7 REASONS WHY NONPROFITS FAIL

  1. Empty Optimism – or Pie in the Sky Dreams (without the proper ingredients to bake a pie)

    I’ve seen some of the best, most needed (in my view), and earnest efforts falter and fail because the leaders simply did not accurately calculate the amount of support that would be available and the alliances and partnerships that they would need to support their humble beginnings. In other words – they lacked a sound business plan upon which to build a platform for success. The old saying ‘to fail to plan is to plan to fail’ is so very, very true.

  2. Values Vacuum – or Poor Organizational Development

    Healthy organizations establish core values that guide the way leaders and staff do business, and how they deal with each other and with outside people and groups at every point of contact. It is far too common for autocratic and self-focused founders to establish one core value: “do as I say.” These nonprofit heads find it very difficult to transfer authority or to share the limelight and leadership with an empowered team. There is little internal trust, and insufficient values to guard against abuses of power, privilege, and people. It is also an environment in which many unethical and even illegal practices can flourish, and often do. These organizations frequently fail in the first generation, and almost never thrive when the leader with all of the chips finally cashes them in.

  3. Competitive Blinders – or ‘we’re unique, there’s no one like us in the market’

    Nonprofit leaders and ministry executives are frequently insular and blind to the external changes and “market” forces that will be their undoing. Often it’s because they are so focused on the needs and crises around them. Or they cannot imagine anyone or anything that would deter them from their righteous ends. And charities are often unfamiliar with, or even repelled by, the notion of “competitors,” so they don’t recognize true rivals or adjust to compete. There is no ability to adjust programs to match changing situations, culture, or competition and to compete for donations, volunteers, media coverage, or program space. This blindness also manifests itself in the lack of research done to determine if there are other Organizations doing the same thing, with basically the same goals. This along with a self-righteous notion that “we” can do it better, or the right way, when cooperation, even merging with another Org would be so much more efficient.

  4. Iced Innovation – or the notion that ‘our website is good enough for now’…

    Nonprofits must Embrace Technology
    Mobile access, mobile devices and the experience on the internet has changed user expectations and has also provided nonprofits with a more level playing field.
    Take a look at the businesses that have grown quickly over the past years, innovative companies which are “disruptive” or at least are very different from doing “business as usual.” Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Zappos. Or nonprofit organizations which leverage technology to deliver on mission, like DoSomething.org and donorschoose.org.
    Today’s donors are also today’s online shoppers. So your “competition” isn’t the other charity with a similar mission–it’s Zappos. Today (and tomorrow’s) donors are accustomed to finding and buying what they want, when they want it.
    Ask yourself this question: Is your organization set up to allow donors to find and give you what they want to give, when they want to give it? Now pick up your smartphone and see how easily and quickly (or not) you can find your site and make a donation– because they will not go to a desktop to make a donation or share their affinity for your cause, when the ability to do so is right at their fingertips. It’s what they’re used to.
    The good news is that this technology also makes the playing field for causes, more level. Just a handful of years ago, DRTV might have been the most effective way to reach a mass audience—but, due to expense, was only available to organizations with the largest budgets. Today’s technology allows any sized organization the ability to communicate, educate, and engage on a greater scale than
    ever before—at little cost.
    The emergence of the Internet and subsequent online innovations that have changed the world in many ways has made strikingly obvious a business truth that is actually timeless. If you do not innovate, you will disappear. If there is no adjustment of creative content, communications, or methods for new times and trends you will miss opportunities, and be judged as antiquated (and perhaps irrelevant). Creative presentation and original thinking buy you another look, enable you to capture attention in a crowded field, and present new ways for people to engage with your mission.

  5. Mission Creep or ‘yeah, we should do that too!’

    When a corporation goes beyond its initial product line and area of service, it’s called brand extension. In nonprofits, we call it mission creep, and because charities are in the business of changing the world, their leaders often cannot seem to stop themselves from seeing every need as a call. The result is too many directions, no mission clarity, diffused expertise, and donor confusion.

  6. Misplacing Priority #1 – or forgetting who the ‘real boss’ is

    At the end of the day, for nonprofit organizations – Money is more important than Mission. Nonprofits exist to serve and to meet needs on a global scale, and we care deeply for the causes we embrace, often to the detriment of our funders. A successful nonprofit knows that their #1 Customer is their donors, period. Without the donors, there would be no impact, no people served, no mouths fed, no backs clothed. Those we serve are important, but if we really want to have an impact, we must take care of our donors first, we must make sure that our programs are designed to give our donors an opportunity to fulfill the goals they have for their philanthropy, and then constantly communicate to them the impact their dollars are having. And when it comes to taking care of donors, relationships, personal relationships are KING! No fancy CRM or automated gift response mechanism will ever trump a personal relationship.

  7. The Data Conundrum – or the fear of information

    Although many organizations have begun measuring every possible statistic related to fundraising efforts, few have enough data to guide planning, analyze management systems, or redirect underperforming programs or communications. This may be because of the pressure to reduce overhead, or because the entrepreneurial spirit of charity leaders causes them to fly by the seat of their pants, to trust their own (often flawed) instincts. Also factor in the age-old truism – “there’s paralysis in analysis” – there’s a real and present danger for Organizations who dive too deeply into the studying the data on their donors at the expense of personal relationships.

Common mistakes of failing nonprofits fit into the categories below:

  • Not Having a Qualified Leader
    A leader of a nonprofit needs the following traits: A head for business, Desire to do good, Sincerity, Confidence, Goal Setting, Organization Skills
  • No Website Or Poorly Designed Website
    Make a user-friendly website, avoid bulky language, make sure the contact information is accessible & accurate. Have strong compelling content. A rule of thumb is make sure nothing is further than “two clicks deep”. Display your mission in a clear area. Have a clear button to donate on every page.
  • Poor Planning and Record Keeping
    No plan of action. A nonprofit is much like a business. There has to be a clear plan to get funding to stay afloat.
  • Poor Accounting and Money Management
    Building a solid capital structure is a key, Keep Strict Money Records, File all Documents & Forms Correctly and on time, Set Aside Seed Money, Spend wisely Evaluate Wants Versus Needs
  • Marketing Only to Large Donors and Not Thinking Smaller Donors are Just As Important
    Small donors are just as important as large donors. Don’t expect donors to maintain or increase the size of their contribution each time they give. Thank every donor in every circumstance they donate no matter how much they give
  • Nonprofit Doesn’t Mean Tax Exempt
    Know your tax laws and file your taxes.

Ultimately, the real reason nonprofits fail is because they shouldn’t have existed in the first place.

7 Reasons Why Nonprofits Fail was written by Tracy Ebarb, Veteran Fundraiser and the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives’ International Director. Tracy’s journey in the nonprofit world began in the early 80’s through his service on Church Staff as Youth Minister, Associate Pastor, Church Administrator, Director of Development and Stewardship and Senior Pastor. Tracy joined the renowned consulting firm of Cargill & Associates in 1998, designing and conducting over 60 Capital Stewardship Campaigns raising over $50 million dollars. As an independent Consultant, Tracy has traveled extensively overseas raising funds and working to develop humanitarian projects in the African nations of Sierra Leone, Malawi and Zambia, and the Central American nations of Nicaragua, Haiti and Honduras. As well as consulting and developing Capital Fundraising Campaigns in over 75 churches and nonprofits across the US. Until recently, Tracy has guided the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame as the Director of Business Development. He has recently accepted the position of Senior Counselor at Development Systems International.

Our Similarities Outweigh Our Differences

Our similarities outweigh our differences. This is true in every aspect of life and relationships. Today’s article is going to focus on the similarities between nonprofit organizations and small businesses. The way I see it, there are many more similarities between these two business types, than there are differences. Before I get into the similarities (and a few differences), let’s dig into what we’re talking about here. 

People often become disillusioned by large, “corporate” nonprofits. They see the leaders making big salaries, and make assumptions about the philanthropy or integrity of the agency. Let me be clear – that level of nonprofit organization is not what this article is focused on. Additionally, this article is not about the Amazons or WalMarts of the world. 

97% of nonprofit organizations have annual budgets of $5M or less. Furthermore, 92% work with an operating budget of less than $1M, and 88% get by with less than $500,000. Similarly, of the over 30 million small businesses in the US, only 9% of them make over $1M in revenue. Small businesses with 20 or fewer employees make up 89% of all business in America. These are local organizations and businesses working hard to meet local community needs. And these are the focus of this article. 

Differences

Obviously there are some differences, otherwise there would be no reason for different classifications. The only difference that always exists in every situation, is the IRS tax status. What makes a business a nonprofit is the fact that they obtain a tax exempt status. Businesses are awarded a tax exemption in exchange for the work they do to address critical social issues in their community. 

Another key difference is related. Part of their tax exempt status requires a nonprofit to reinvest their profits back into the organization. This can be in the form of staff salaries, professional development, equipment, technology, investments, and more. They can make a profit, but it does not go to benefit an owner. While I’m filing this under differences, the difference is really in the IRS requirement. I say that because, in reality, there are many small businesses that do the same thing. They are not required to, but they invest their profit right back into their business. 

The third difference has to do with ownership. A nonprofit organization is essentially owned by the community, with a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for its leadership and operation. In newer nonprofits, the founder often behaves like an owner. This person usually holds the vision for the business, gets others excited about it, and develops the board, programming, funding, and more. And this brings us to the similarities portion of this analysis.

Similarities

There are differences in the leadership; nonprofits are led by a volunteer board, sometimes with a paid Executive Director running operations. Small businesses are generally led by an owner, partners, or a family. In either case, those business leaders have a LOT in common. 

Small businesses and nonprofits both struggle with never having enough time, money, resources or people to do everything they would like to do. This means that their leaders need to be hardworking, scrappy, creative, and dedicated. They tend to be driven by a passion greater than a paycheck. Whether it’s the mission, a desire to create something great, a commitment to serving their community, or a dedication to meeting the needs of their customers; these leaders are intrinsically motivated. 

In order to be successful, both sets of leaders need to have a strong connection to their community. By having their finger on the pulse of the community’s needs, they are able to identify issues and gaps in service. In knowing what is important in the community these business leaders can find their niche and remain relevant. Additionally, this connects the business leaders to the people in their community who will need their products and services. People do business with those who they know, like, and trust. 

This brings us to mission. Nonprofit organizations have a mission that drives their work in meeting a critical social need. While for profit, small businesses may not be driven by a mission, that does not mean that they don’t work hard to meet the needs of their community. People need groceries and gas and insurance. They need someone to help them buy and sell their house, and they like to go out to dinner. While these things (and more) do not necessarily qualify as mission work, they are definitely community necessities. 

The last two similarities (which initially seem to be differences) are fundraising and board management. A small business does not have to do traditional fundraising; however, they often seek investors and raise start-up capital or funds to develop new services and products. Likewise, a small business with investors reports to them as an Executive Director reports to their board. This involves educating them, building strong relationships, and managing communication. 

I spent 30 years working in the nonprofit industry and the last 18 months as a small business owner. In networking, developing, and growing with other small business owners it’s been so interesting to see the similarities between these two worlds. I’ve discovered, not only that the two industries have a lot in common, but we have so much to learn from each other!

I love helping business leaders to grow and develop professionally. If you’re looking for leadership, team or board development, mail me at kim@athena-coco.com to connect for a free 30-minute discovery call.

Kim Stewart

Kim is a mom, wife, lover of being active and the outdoors,
and helper of small businesses and nonprofits.
kim@athena-coco.com 

How to Be a Superhero

Last month I wrote an article on How Nonprofits Will Save the World. It talked about the impact of nonprofit organizations on our community, and the value of bringing people together to address our communities’ most critical social needs. 

If you know anything about nonprofit organizations, you already know that they never have enough time, money or people. After all, saving the world is a 24/7/365 job! One thing all nonprofit organizations have in common is that they could use more Superheroes. Fortunately, anyone can be a Superhero! This article will share the four ways that everyday citizens can transform into real life Superheroes. 

How to Be A Superhero

There are four general categories that define how you can serve your favorite nonprofit organization:

  1. Donate
  2. Serve as a Program Volunteer
  3. Become a Board Volunteer
  4. Participate & Advocate
Donate

If you care about the work of an organization, making a financial donation is probably the easiest thing you can do. It requires very little time, and every organization already has plans for what they can do with your donation. Even small donations can have a significant impact. 

Some organizations take donations of food or supplies. These efforts are great for engaging donors, and a good way to connect children to philanthropy. If you go that route, I’d like to suggest that you also consider a cash donation. Because of their supply chains and partnerships, a food pantry can stretch your dollar much farther than you can. In the hands of a food pantry, a $1 donation can feed approximately 10 people. 

Additionally, I’d like to recommend that you avoid making a donation that will create more work for the agency. For example, some organizations collect donated cars, then auction them off for the proceeds. That’s a cool fundraiser, if the agency is set up for those transactions. If they are not, your donated car creates a lot of work for staff who are already stretched thin. 

The best way to know what an agency needs most is to check their website or to ask. Clothing closets still need clothes and animal shelters need old blankets. I’m not trying to dissuade you from giving in-kind donations. However, I want to emphasize that cash is king and what agencies need most. 

The last point that I would like to make here is to encourage you to do your research. Especially if you are considering a larger contribution. Resources for understanding an agency’s transparency and rating compared to other organizations include: Charity Navigator and GuideStar and the BBB’s Give.org. 

Serve as a Program Volunteer

I like to divide nonprofit volunteer work into two categories: Program Volunteers and Board Volunteers (these can also be called Policy Volunteers or Governance Volunteers). In this section we’ll go over different ways to serve as a Program Volunteer. The next section will cover Board Volunteers.

A Program Volunteer is generally someone who performs tasks for an agency. This could be just about anything! Here’s a short list of jobs I have seen organizations employ volunteers for: 

    • Scout Leader
    • Youth Sports Coach
    • Food Pantry Processing
    • Welcome Desk Attendant
    • Nursery Baby Rocker or Book Reader
    • Blanket Maker for Chemo Patients
    • Event Assistant – water stations at races, check-in tables, providing direction for participants, welcoming, logistics, distributing supplies, etc.
    • Fundraiser
    • Tour Guide
    • Classroom Assistant
    • Animal Companion 
    • Office Support
    • Instructor
    • Cleaner
    • Carpenter
    • And much, much more!

This one is pretty easy to understand. If you have a skill you want to share or some time you would like to give, it’s just a matter of finding an organizational match. Agencies sometimes have their volunteer positions listed on their websites or on a jobs board. However, oftentimes they haven’t even thought of all the ways they could use volunteers. If you see a way that you could contribute or an unmet need, reach out and present your idea. Just make sure that your proposed idea doesn’t create more work for the staff. 

Become a Board Volunteer

Board Volunteers are the fiduciary agents for a nonprofit organization. A Board represents the community or the constituents that the organization is committed to serving. Board members are responsible for ensuring that the organization delivers upon its mission, while at the same time making sure it is a responsibly and ethically managed business. 

Board Volunteers differ from Program Volunteers in that they are thought leaders, rather than task leaders. When you are invited onto a Board, the organization is looking to you for your insights, opinions, and expertise. Board roles generally fall into these categories:

    • Mission & Purpose
    • Organizational Planning
    • Select Exec/CEO
    • Exec Support/Evaluation
    • Program/Service Outcomes
    • Adequate Resources
    • Financial Oversight
    • Ethical/Legal Integrity
    • Set Policy
    • Board Development
    • Community Conduit 

This is a lot. Rather than going into detail about each of these roles here, I’ll save that for a future article. 

If you are interested in serving on a Board, reach out to the Executive Director/CEO or the Board Chair. They likely have a process for recruiting and vetting their volunteers. You can also check out local resources, like Colorado Nonprofit Association or your local Library to find agencies looking for Board Members. 

Participate & Advocate

Last, but not least – you can support your local nonprofit organizations through participation and advocation. If they have a special event to raise money – sign-up. Tell your friends. And don’t just tell them “Hey, I’m doing this fun event, join me.” Tell them what organization the event is supporting, and the impact their work has on the community. 

The very best way to spread the word about the amazing work of a nonprofit organization is through word-of-mouth. Real people in the community, telling other real people carries more weight than any paid advertising. If you’ve been a beneficiary of an agency’s services, event better! Tell people. Your testimonial is not only great for PR, but it helps reduce stigma around these critical social issues. 

Your genuine, first-person words of support can benefit an agency in so many ways. Leave a google or yelp review. Videotape a testimonial. Offer to speak at a Board meeting or other event advocating for the organization. Spread the word, it truly helps. 

During the month of November I will be highlighting several nonprofit organizations. If one piques your interest, I hope this information helps you consider ways that you can step up and be a Superhero for them. 

Want to learn more about how you can have a lasting impact on your community? Email me at kim@athena-coco.com to connect for a free 30-minute discovery call. In order to save the world, nonprofits need superheroes like you to help them have the kind of impact they exist to deliver. 

Kim is a mom, wife, lover of being active and the outdoors,
and helper of small businesses and nonprofits.
kim@athena-coco.com

How Nonprofits will Save the World!

We are living in some crazy times, amirite? The pandemic, our nation’s political divide, racial tensions, climate change, the list goes on and on. These are big issues with complex solutions! And while our government, business, and science are all working on finding the answers, I’d like to suggest we put our hope in nonprofit organizations. 

What is a Nonprofit?

In case you’re not clear on what qualifies as a nonprofit organization, here’s the formal definition: 

A nonprofit organization is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in contrast with an entity that operates as a business aiming to generate a profit for its owners.

In a nutshell, nonprofits exist to make the world a better place. No one makes money as a shareholder of a nonprofit. However, it’s appropriate for staff to be paid a livable wage. When a nonprofit makes more money than they spend, those dollars are invested right back into the business. 

These organizations are led by volunteer Boards, rather than shareholders. Board members are community members invested in the positive impact the organization has on their community. The intention of a volunteer Board is to represent the community and the organization’s constituents. 

Since no one is getting rich from a nonprofit organization, decisions are made differently. While a nonprofit business must operate in a business-minded, fiscally responsible manner, they do not exist solely to make money. Therefore, leaders can make decisions that genuinely put their mission and beneficiaries first. 

Nonprofit Impact

The 1.3 million charitable nonprofits in our country help to feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of all ages, backgrounds, genders, races, and socioeconomic positions. Nonprofits make up 5.3% of the GDP and 9.2% of all salaries and wages in our country. It’s a trillion dollar industry. Total charitable giving is over $390 billion annually. 92% of nonprofit organizations are small community-based agencies, serving local needs. 

There’s a good chance that everyone reading this article has been impacted by a nonprofit. If not directly, then definitely through a family member. Here’s an abridged list of the many ways nonprofit organizations improve lives and communities:

  • Nearly half of the hospitals in America are nonprofit
  • The March of Dimes and nonprofit scientific researchers provided vaccines in an effort to eradicate polio and other diseases
  • YMCAs, JCCs, Red Cross and Scout Camps teach children how to be safe in and around water
  • Life skills like conflict resolution and teamwork are taught through Girl Scouts, 4H, Little League and other youth development organizations
  • There are nonprofit preschools, grade schools, high schools, colleges and graduate schools; as well as nonprofit scholarship funds
  • Our right to vote, to an education, to travel, to equal treatment under the law, and other rights are secured and protected by nonprofit organizations
  • Historic treasures and natural resources are preserved by nonprofits
  • Many cultural centers are nonprofits, such as the San Diego Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City
  • The clean air we breathe in tobacco-free restaurants is thanks to the work of public health nonprofits
  • Countless art installations, musical concerts and theatrical presentations are shared every year due to the work of nonprofit art agencies

To sum this up, nonprofits foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, and strengthen the fabric of our communities. All day. Every day. 

So Exactly How will Nonprofits Save the World?

Maybe that’s a bold statement. But here’s what I have seen in my 30-years leading nonprofit organizations. Well-run organizations bring people together for the greater good. They pull people together for walk-athons and to collect school supplies for kids in the community. They draw on the community leadership to raise money for much needed facilities and programs. And they connect people from all social levels in a community to come together and make their community the best it can be. 

Will that save the world? I think so. Lucy Christopher said:

“It’s hard to hate someone once you understand them.” 

This is what nonprofits do so well. They exist for the community. Therefore, to really be effective, they need to bring the community together. They bring together people from all different backgrounds in order to make decisions that serve the whole community. 

When you work side-by-side with someone to address a critical social need that will strengthen your community, you build relationships. You start to understand what makes them tick. And whether you agree with them or not, you develop respect and compassion towards them. 

I understand that we will still need complex solutions to the issues facing our country. However, we can start small, in our own communities, and work on our local challenges. From that we can foster respect and understanding. And that’s what I believe is key to moving forward as a nation. 

Know of a nonprofit organization that needs help engaging the community? Email me at kim@athena-coco.com to connect them for a free 30-minute discovery call. In order to save the world, nonprofits need superheroes like you to help them have the kind of impact they exist to deliver. 

Kim Stewart

Kim is a mom, wife, lover of being active and the outdoors,
and helper of small businesses and nonprofits.
kim@athena-coco.com