A nonprofit organization has a goal driven by need and by passion. Creating public awareness and engagement are important functions of effective nonprofit fundraising. Some of the most active and enthusiastic donors to a nonprofit are people whose lives have been directly affected by the situation the organization is designed to address.
The goals of effective long-term fundraising require outreach and public activity. The expression of a clear point of view, a profound need, and quantifiable results helps to keep public interest, confidence, and participation in a nonprofit organization high.
Before developing a business plan for a nonprofit organization:
- Know the impact that the nonprofit organization is designed to have, and where that impact needs to be felt, before developing a business plan.
- Consider the difference the nonprofit organization will have in terms of need. Make that the basis of the strategic plan.
Points to consider when preparing to detail the effectiveness of nonprofit spending:
Focusing on the impact on the need that the nonprofit organization will have will help:
- Keep it positively working toward the goal
- Focus the organization’s business plan on results
- Understand and plan for change
- Use identifiable and achievable metrics to illustrate the impact the organization is having
Nonprofit organizations that work effectively and efficiently develop their business plan with:
- Specific measurable goals—a program’s effectiveness can be measured in many ways with many metrics. A well-defined mission with identifiable goals is the basis on which any nonprofit builds its reputation and credibility.
- Action plans—include methods for a nonprofit program’s administration and effectiveness with strategies for engagement and support along with rules to follow throughout the life of the program.
- Costs—identify cost centers and clearly present resource allocation to show how the organization’s dollars are working toward the goal.
- Returns—a nonprofit that receives public funding is often required to spend their dollars in specific ways and for specific functions. The funds that are actually used to help people should always be clearly allocated and accounted for.
Geranda Projects has been providing nonprofit organizational consulting services in the corporate, academic, and nonprofit sectors for more than 30 years. Their extensive integrated development experience has enabled them to lead development teams and implement visionary plans to increase financial support and community awareness, build relationships with key stakeholders, and plan and manage special events. Geranda Projects is the nonprofit consultant for developing and managing strategies for not-for-profit and community organizations.
Geranda Project’s consulting services for nonprofit organizations include:
- Assessment and Program Development
- Mentoring – Providing the Tools to Succeed
- Community Awareness and Social Enrichment
- Board Engagement – Strengthening Not-for-Profit Boards
Consulting with Geranda Projects will bring a fresh perspective to any nonprofit organization’s point of view while recognizing and respecting the organization’s culture. Geranda Projects will mentor, educate and guide you in the process that will give you the tools to succeed and inspire you to reach your greatest potential.