One thing is true about all “do gooders”, we have no problem
with doing. We enjoy getting our hands dirty. In fact, we are often the first
to jump into the trenches! We see a problem and we think, “Somebody needs to do
something.” And before we’ve finished our thought, we’ve already begun to roll
up our sleeves.
This is an incredibly important attribute for anyone seeking
to turn an informal charitable activity into one that gets grant funding and
grows into a successful nonprofit. Equally as important, though, is ensuring
that what you are doing is actually making a difference and can garner funder support.
Whenever I teach fundraising or grant writing, I always use the
above image. I think it does an excellent job in demonstrating just how fierce
the competition is for charitable donations.
To transition from an informal charitable activity to one
that can compete for limited resources (Trust me, she’s not giving up those funds
without a fight!) requires going through the program development process and designing
an evaluation plan that helps you to both make informed decisions and to continuously
improve your program’s effectiveness.
Even those with “formal” programs are often not clear about the
effectiveness of their activities. And, if asked about it, they don’t have an
answer.
Do you know what success looks like for your activity? Could
you prove you have achieved success? If you cannot, you will be little competition
for the lady above.
I have had countless conversations over the years with
passionate people who saw a problem and immediately went to work to address it.
They share how they, “feed the homeless”, “provide after school programs for
latchkey kids”, etc. They are all doing great work, but many are not getting
funded. When asked about the effectiveness of their activities in addressing
the problem they aim to solve, far too many had no answer.
They, with very good intentions, jumped in having given
little or no thought to what success would look like.
It is very easy to believe that because we are doing
something good, we are making a difference. And perhaps we are. But if we are
to make a difference we can prove and gain the support of others, we must have
a written plan for success that clearly defines our goals, strategies for
achieving them, and methods to evaluate our efforts and our results.
Armed with a plan for success, you can compete and win! Keep
doing good!
Michelle Nusum-Smith,
a licensed nonprofit consultant, coach and trainer, is owner and principal
consultant at The Word Woman LLC, a consultancy that helps nonprofits,
government agencies, and individuals to develop the skills, knowledge and
resources to achieve their missions to do good. With nearly 20 years of
nonprofit experience, Michelle has expertise in organizational development and
leadership, board development, program development, financial management,
fundraising, marketing, and community relations. She is licensed to offer
consulting services for the Maryland Nonprofit’s Standards for Excellence®
program and has the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to work with
nonprofit organizations across the country.
www.thewordwomanllc.com • info@thewordwomanllc.com • 240-215-4984
