Research and recommendations for effective, day-to-day nonprofit practice from ASU faculty, staff, students, and the nonprofit and philanthropic community.
One of the essential conversations to effective business strategizing is consideration to disruptive times. For nonprofit organizations, disruption can be a defining line between success and failure, and if not appropriately acknowledged, leaders and their organizations can be left without the proper resources to address the disruptions head on and successfully navigate through the disruptive times. While it is not possible to plan for every possible disruption that could present for an organization, it is essential to have effective resources and strategies to turn to when they do present; when an organization is able to establish these, as staff and executive leadership turnover occurs there are trusted strategies to turn to and rely on.
The National Center for Family Philanthropy and S.D. Bechtel presents one of the strongest arguments for how to equip an organization with the ability to navigate through disruption is by building up their ideal characteristics of a resilient organization. The NCFP lays out 7 characteristics that make for a solid foundation for a resilient organization “purpose driven, clear eyed, future oriented, open [in their communication], empowered, committed to self-renewal, connected” (Bechtel 2020). With these characteristics in mind, an organization can build strong grounds to support themselves through disruption.
On a similar point Michael Tomlinson speaks on the benefits of having not…
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Much of the nonprofit sector utilizes volunteer efforts to achieve their missions. Volunteers give so much more than time; they also bring skills, experience, networks, and money to organizations making them an important resource. While volunteer numbers are rebounding from the national low caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the U.S Census Bureau, numbers are not quite back to pre-pandemic levels. Therefore, nonprofits must still focus on recruitment and retainment of volunteers by creating volunteer management programs that encourage engagement.
Effective recruitment strategies
Nonprofits need to clearly communicate what they want to accomplish with volunteer support and how that work impacts the mission. Information technologies such as social media and networking forums are no- to low-cost ways to connect with volunteers in the community seeking to match their skills with an organization’s needs. Encouraging existing volunteers to act as spokespeople for the organization is another method of recruiting. This not only gains new volunteers but increases retainment of those currently engaged by demonstrating trust and a supportive culture.
Onboarding and training
Orientation programs are where good first impressions are created. Organizations can clearly define expectations, roles, needs, and mission for new volunteers, creating a sense of connection and confidence before their service even…
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In a time marked by economic uncertainty and shifting philanthropic landscapes, many nonprofits are grappling with a sobering reality: donor contributions are declining. According to the Center for Effective Philanthropy, over 80% of nonprofits report experiencing financial stress, with many noting a decrease in individual giving and rising competition for limited funds. Financial instability can hinder a nonprofit's ability to deliver consistent services, invest in staff, and plan for the future, ultimately threatening its long-term impact.
However, all is not lost. While the financial challenges are real, they are not insurmountable. Nonprofits can build resilience and sustainability by embracing a multi-pronged approach: diversifying revenue streams, managing costs strategically, strengthening donor engagement, and cultivating impactful partnerships.
Understanding why contributions are declining
To navigate today’s challenges, nonprofits must first understand the factors driving declining contributions. Economic downturns and inflation have decreased donors’ disposable income, while “donor fatigue”—especially following crisis-driven fundraising efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic—has reduced giving frequency. Additionally, generational shifts in philanthropy are reshaping the donor landscape. According to the Giving USA 2024 Report, younger donors are more likely to give to causes that demonstrate…
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Political shifts significantly impact nonprofits, altering funding streams, regulations, donor behavior, and advocacy opportunities. Leadership changes ripple across the sector, making resilience essential. Public funding, tax incentives, and compliance demands fluctuate with each administration, while advocacy groups either gain influence or face new challenges based on policy priorities. Advocacy groups may either gain power or face new obstacles based on what policies are prioritized. How a nonprofit is set up and the nature of its mission can affect the impact felt from these changes.
Nonprofits are urged to be flexible and use data to guide their strategies. A nonprofit’s mission and funding structure largely determine its vulnerability to these shifts. Finding diverse funding sources, keeping an eye on policy updates, and building partnerships can help organizations adapt. The way the media presents issues can greatly influence public perception, therefore clear communication and managing misinformation are crucial in today’s divided climate.
Working together across different sectors, getting the community involved, and developing strong leadership can build resilience. Advocacy should not just be about lobbying; it is also essential to focus on coalition-building and educating the public. During tough financial climates, nonprofits can benefit from collaborating with legal groups, innovating, and being patient in…
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When a small to mid-size nonprofit considers integrating digital technology into its organization, it can be intimidating. Before deciding that technology is challenging to incorporate, consider how it can increase volunteer engagement and an organization's overall dynamic and workflow. Technology can bridge the gap between volunteers and nonprofit staff by improving communication and contributing to an improved work culture. It can also lessen the workload of volunteer managers, help with scheduling and communication, and create a culture of communication within an organization. Communication platforms can assist with volunteer recognition when volunteer managers lack the bandwidth to complete day-to-day operations.
A nonprofit can take a few simple steps that can make a significant impact, engaging volunteers and leading to an overall better volunteer experience. Digital technology can lead to the retention of volunteers in the long term and can lead to prospective employees and stewardship. Many people who volunteer often donate to the organizations they serve.
Engaging with volunteers through social media
Social media can be a valuable tool for posting videos and content that engages volunteers. It can be something exciting at your organization or even discussing a need for volunteers. It can also be a great way to elevate the culture of a nonprofit by creating posts that showcase exceptional…
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