Resource Development and Coaching Program

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Published on Monday, 02 January 2012 02:31

Written by Super User

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 Resource Development and Coaching Program

In the past year, we've decided to strategically launch a resource development and coaching program for not-for-profit organizations.  We provide one-on-one coaching towards reaching long-term goals, including fundraising for program operations. Here is a testimonial from a partner:

"Hi Marie,

Thanks for this plan regarding the coming months. Please, you have my approval. Running a nonprofit demands a lot of sacrifice and patience. As the Founder, I am still pushing as much I can, only because I believe in what I do. I remember the story of the Executive Director who started almost alone, some years back spending and spending till she got broke and almost discouraged to pursue till you decide to provide services to her agency.  It is almost the same thing happening to me. Let's see what can be done with your coaching,as you are still willing to help! I sincerely appreciate what you still doing for Gedus Networks.

Thankfully!

Daniel Kouaho."

We thought about some tools or tips that new or established non-profits can benefit from. Here we highlight some of the recommendations we give to clients as we help accomplish their organizational goals. 

If you have an existing program, take time to develop:

·         Job descriptions for both your volunteers and staff.  There are a number of online sites that have templates that can be easily customized.

·         Program schedule is extremely important.  Either a weekly, monthly, or daily schedule to off with a schedule that key volunteers/staff contributed to. 

·         Background check forms can be obtained from the Department of Law and Public Safety website for your state.  In the state of New Jersey, people working with minors  are now required to have a background check done.  Visit  http://www.njsp.org/about/serv_chrc.html for forms for New Jersey programs.

This step can be easily overlooked since many nonprofit leaders are juggling several roles that include receptionist, PR, and executive director.  I recommend develop an ‘owner’s manual’ to your organization that includes: 

·         A 1-2 page policy for hiring and termination.  I recommend giving new employees a aptitude test so that when you ask them to write a letter, you’re confident that they have the aptitude to do the job.  I currently purchase the W.E.P. test from gneil.com

http://www.gneil.com/products/workplaceessentialsprofile/default.aspx?sessionid=6536.209m5v-589

This test has saved me from hiring the ‘wrong’ people; although, they may have the credentials and strong recommendations.  The test includes basic math skills (e.g. division), basic writing, and moral judgment. 

·         Book keeping procedures could be viewed as a cheat sheet for handling business receipts, checks, reimbursement, etc.  Microsoft.com has several great Excel templates that can be customized for your program.  Here is a link to a few great templates:  http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT001226191.aspx

·         Board Members and Donors – I encourage clients to engage their friends, co-workers and colleagues in their charitable organization through volunteering as guest speakers, participants, and sponsors.  We’re currently helping a client launch a new program for women.  The first thing we did was invite women who we knew to a program orientation.  Those interested became facilitators of a women’s empowerment group.  That led to recruiting volunteers from the women who attended, then recruited committee chairs from these volunteers, and finally recruit a working board from the committee members.  This same step can be applied when cultivating relationship with potential donors.  Figure out what the right seed is and plant it.  The right seed may be an invitation to an event, dinner, or a program session.  This can progress to watering; meaning keeping the prospect engaged through newsletters, personal letters, and invitation.  Continue to water year-round.  Also do your homework on potential donors.  What networks do they belong to?  Does their company have a corporate foundation? Etc.  Make the experience of working with volunteers and donors as seamless and as rewarding as possible.

·         Advertisements and press releases – invite a public figure to one of your events and submit a press release online (e.g. nj.com) or send out a press release recognizing a funder.  Note: request permission to submit press release from funders or public figures.  Also consider sending them a copy of the press release before distributing it.  Keep a copy of the press release on your website.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

·         Partnering agreements are knows as either Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding.  Whatever you choose to call it, please ,please put your role and your partners’ role in writing and have someone you trust review it.  Also, do this before submitting a grant application together.  Trust me, you’ll be glad you did it.

I know that you need a grant, please consider these before applying or re-applying for one:

·         Existing program (6months or more) ___

·         At least 3 board members___

·         Brochure or press release (if available) ___

·         Complete current year’s operating budget___

·         List of supporters-including donations___

·         501 © 3 designation___

·         990 from at least 1 year___

·         Audit (if available) ___

·         Letters of support for program from partners___

The foundation of a strong nonprofit is a strong board of directors/leaders.  Consider these steps the construction of the pillars for a strong nonprofit:

·         Written process for recruiting board members___

·         At least 1 meeting per quarter___

·         Disclose projected grants to members___

·         Liability insurance for board members___

·         Written Board responsibilities___

·         Board list with short bios on members___

·         Organizational chart (even if it’s just three people)___

·         Pledge card for board members___

Tip: Get a monthly/annual pledge goal for each member.  If it’s just $10 a month from 10 people.  $1,200 a year would pay for the liability insurance for the members or pay  initial fees for a fundraiser.

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