Tips for Managing a Nonprofit Organization
You want to help the community and serve others, and you started a nonprofit organization to do exactly that. You just weren’t quite prepared for the overwhelming amount of paperwork and recordkeeping required. Luckily, there are ways to streamline the tasks you face.
Turn to Professionals
You don’t have to be a bookkeeper or human resource manager to run a successful nonprofit. Many businesses have found that outsourced nonprofit financial management takes some pressure off leaders while still ensuring that crucial tasks are performed professionally and on time. Outsourcing unfamiliar or unpopular jobs lets you focus on what matters most to you, your business and your clients without adding to your organization’s payroll.
Digitize Your Files
Instead of drowning in paperwork, digitize your files. Going digital will help keep your office free of clutter and make it easier to share important information with others. You don’t even need special equipment. Ther are plenty of business-quality scanning apps that can be downloaded to your phone. They make saving copies of important documents and receipts as simple as taking and saving a picture.
Join Industry Associations
Although this may seem like another burden or responsibility added to your plate, trade associations can be a tremendous resource. You can share information with others who are facing similar situations and obstacles, share successes, and learn about resources through regular meetings and publications.
Turn to a Mentor
If you don’t have a lot of business experience, a mentor can be an excellent resource. They will show you the ropes and introduce you to accepted practices in your industry. You don’t want just anyone to be a mentor, however. Learn where the best places to find a mentor are, and then look to them to find a match for your needs.
No matter how big or small your organization is, you want it to succeed. Take steps to maximize its potential by learning how to effectively and efficiently manage it.