Management Tips For Nonprofit Organizations That Will Save More Time And More Lives

While nonprofit organizations are often operating without generating profit, it still needs financial resources to carry out its projects and goals. Before you proceed to the task of managing an NPO, you have to first set your mind to adjust to the new environment and organization you will be handling. 

If you handled an administrative position in a corporate organization before, expect that there are differences and similarities between a corporate and nonprofit organization.

Here, we will share some tips on how to save time and human resources while managing a nonprofit organization.

 

Identify and Empower Your Stakeholders

Some new leaders or managers are eager to jump to the position and get started without first knowing who are the people involved under their leadership. Stakeholders refer to people inside and outside your organization that is affected by the projects the organization undertakes.

They can be project sponsors, corporate contributors, board members, business users, clients, employees, the IT team, vendors, patients, government agencies, the general public, and other service partners. NPO consultants from https://www.trustdriven.com advise that getting a good sense of the organization is essential in effecting changes and initiating projects.

Reaching out to the stakeholders and promoting their participation and involvement in your organization is vital in gaining the support you need. Also, keep in mind to anchor your proposals and decisions to your stakeholders and keep their best interests in mind.

Get the Business Requirements Covered

Managing your NPO involves various tasks and requirements, just like any other business. You are responsible for promoting your organization's mission, facilitating stakeholder communications, prospecting for new donors, securing donors, and expanding the influence of your organization. 

On the requirements side, you also need to ensure that the required annual filings of your organization have been made. Your state and the IRS will require annual filings to respectively maintain your organization's good standing and tax exemption. Make sure to stay updated on any changes in the requirements or if there are additional requirements your organization has to comply with, especially during the formation of your organization or when there are changes in your mission. 

IRS 990 forms also need to be reviewed regularly, especially if your NPO has been established for a long time. Check the accuracy of the information stated in your Form 990, 990-PF, or 990-EZ, as this is the only public source of information of your organization's program and financial information. 

Compliance with state boundary requirements should also be maintained. You may find your organization supporting or serving constituents or soliciting beyond your state's borders. These situations are bound to happen given the extent of the reach of social media, email, and crowdfunding. You have to be prepared to handle additional agency filings for these 'cross-state services.' These filings will also be crucial to your out-of-state contribution solicitations in the future.

 

Know the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

It is essential to revisit the articles of incorporation and bylaws that you or those who preceded you have created and filed during the launching of your NPO. These documents should be reviewed from time to time to make sure that your NPO's operations and activities still align with these documents. One vital piece of information to check is the accurate number of Board of Directors positions elected and filled. This information should match what is declared in the IRS 990 forms to keep your organization's relevant documents updated.

 

Plan Outcome Measurements and Practice Risk management

The success of your NPO depends on how effectively you measure results, collect data, analyze program outcomes, test alternatives, and push to drive improvements. Formulating an outcome measurement strategy helps prevent the stagnation of your organization's programs and enables their continuous measurement, assessment, and improvement. Early planning of and involvement of stakeholders at the definition and inception of the program helps save time in implementing and completing the program. The more heads are involved in setting the program goals, the more efficient the program becomes, and it is easier to measure and assess.

Risk management is another vital factor to consider when conceptualizing, planning, and implementing your organization's projects. As a manager or leader of your NPO, you have to wear different hats in the process, including the black hat and green, in which you identify the possible risks and solutions of your project, respectively. It is wise to have a backup plan for the uncertainties and contingency plans for possible worst-case scenarios to ensure the continuity of the project and its success.

There are unique and familiar challenges involved in managing a nonprofit organization. If you are new to this role, you need to be optimistic and steadfast in your approach and treat this role as a learning experience. Change is the only constant thing, and your role is crucial to steering your organization through challenges and reaching its success. So learn as much as you can, handle your roles efficiently, and engage more people in your projects.