As 2009 has just begun, nonprofits should be thinking about their goals and the changes they must make to achieve those objectives. In Anne Ackerson’s blog, she lists 10 resolutions to help strengthen nonprofits and to renew commitment to the organization’s mission.
- Review the mission out loud at a board meeting or members’ meeting. Discuss what the mission actually means and consider if the organization’s programs and activities support that mission. What changes need to take place in order to fulfill the mission?
- Conduct a formal self-assessment of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. A self-assessment will lead to discussions about the organization’s focus, mission, and practices, thus creating a “to-do” list for the board, committees, staff, and volunteers that could last all year.
- Review and update the organization’s bylaws. Review the organization’s bylaws and discuss whether or not the organization is following them. If the organization is not following the bylaws, decide if the organization needs to either follow the bylaws more closely or if the bylaws should be revised.
- Write and approve a code of ethics. A code of ethics can either be included in the bylaws or can be a separate statement. Codes of ethics set out the rules and procedures for maintaining public trust (for example, conflict of interest, relationships with staff and/or volunteers, and working relationships among the trustees); and collections (for example, donor relationships, level of collection care and access).
- Set aside a board meeting to discuss finances. Start a conversation about the strengths and weaknesses of the organization’s current financial information. Teach board members how to read and understand financial statements such as budgets and audits. Discuss what types of financial information the organization needs, what information is necessary to evaluate a program’s effectiveness, and if a multi-year financial plan is necessary. Finally, decide if a financial advisor’s help would be a worthwhile investment.
- Tour the collection storage. Decide whether the organization’s storage areas are secure, clean, neat, and easily assessable. If the storage facilities are in attics, basements, porches, or unheated buildings, discuss how to protect the information long term. Ask if the organization is meeting the public trust obligations of care.
- Inspect the institution with the board and staff. Tour every part of the organization’s building from the attic to the basement, and including outbuildings and off-site storage facilities. Everyone should understand the building’s strengths, weaknesses, shortcomings, and potential. Take photos and video to help everyone remember what they have seen.
- Become comfortable with change. Understand that the more flexible an organization is, the better it is able to respond to uncertain funding, changing demographics, the public’s demands, and increasing government oversight. Make plans for a future with “a variety of scenarios designed to keep you on your toes!”
- Have an appreciation party for everyone who makes the organization work. Invite everyone who has contributed to the organization’s well being – paid, volunteer, prominent figure, and silent servant. Share the organization’s history, joys, and sorrows. It is these stories that will build loyalty and encourage community throughout the organization.
- Have fun. Remember to laugh a lot because it will be necessary. Encourage members of the organization and enjoy the common purpose that has brought everyone together.
Information taken from: Anne Ackerson. “Ten Resolutions for the New Year.” http://leadingbydesign.blogspot.com.
-- Ashley High is a Research Assistant at Christian Foundation Grants (www.christianfoundationgrants.com) which is a subscription database of foundations that provide grants to faith based organizations. iDonate.com is a website (www.iDonate.com) that allows ministries to receive non cash gifts online.