Is Your Nonprofit CLOSED?

I have worked directly for, partnered with, consulted, and supported as volunteer and/or donor countless nonprofit organizations over nearly twenty years. They have varied in size, scope and cause. And just because an organization was large or had been around for decades didn't mean it was “open for success”. For a nonprofit to be successful toward achieving its mission, it must take down the proverbial CLOSED sign. Here are a few traits of a closed nonprofit and tips on how to open for success:

Resists Partnerships. Being a large organization or one that has had much success toward achieving its mission may not see any benefit to partnering, particularly with smaller shops. The organization likely has a decent reputation among the general public (and funders) so it doesn't see the need for partners. Though partnerships may be needed or necessary, partnerships should also be about opportunities. Partners provide new perspective, new energy and new relationships. Additionally, most funders prefer to support collaborative efforts. Organizations open for success are open to formal and informal partnerships.

Avoids Change. There is nothing wrong with dedicated staff whose passion for the cause has resulted in tenure that has lasted years or even decades, but what happens if longtime staff is not encouraged (or better yet required) to engage in ongoing professional development? They become complacent. Their creativity diminishes and eventually ingenuity becomes a dirty word. This is typically a top down issue in nonprofits. An organization that is closed to new ideas and innovation likely has a board of directors comprised of the same set of people who have been on the board for years or decades (I've seen this!). Organizations open for success have and enforce board term limits. Identifying and securing new, highly-skilled, passionate board members is an ongoing effort. These organizations encourage new ideas from board members and staff, invest in staff training, and require staff to not only attend conferences but to seize opportunities to present!

Lacks Diversity. While countless studies prove the benefits of diversity in the workforce and service and advocacy for groups historically discriminated against is the mission of many nonprofits, far too many organizations have little or no diversity among their staff and board. Workplace diversity refers to the variety of differences between people in an organization and goes far beyond race. It encompasses race as well as gender, ethnicity, age, personality, tenure, education, background and more. I have visited the websites of numerous organizations where pictures of the staff are included with their bios. All of the staff are the same color, about the same age, and have the same socio-economic and educational backgrounds. In addressing an issue or opportunity, can a group of “clones” offer a variety of perspectives and solutions? Can true debate exist among people who look alike, talk alike, and think alike? Organizations open for success are intentional about diversity. They strive for a staff that creates a diverse collection of skills, experiences and perspectives. They recognize that the more they reflect the world around them the better equip they are to serve it.

Michelle Nusum-Smith, an experienced nonprofit leader, consultant, coach and trainer, is a self-proclaimed “Do-gooder who helps do-gooders to do good.” Michelle is the owner and principal consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a nonprofit consulting company. She has nearly 20 years nonprofit experience, including program development, financial management, fundraising (including grantwriting and individual donor cultivation), human resource management, marketing and public relations, board relations, and event planning.

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