How to Obtain Business Efficiencies Within a Nonprofit
Working for a nonprofit can be an amazingly fulfilling thing to do. Nonprofits are, by definition, not working towards growth in terms of capital. Instead, these organizations are usually working towards loftier ends; employees for nonprofits tend to have a distinct moral compass that guides their vision.
This is all well and good, but the problem is that, too. Often, the collaboration at a nonprofit doesn’t go quite as smoothly as one might hope. Many people in the U.S. who work at nonprofits complain of burnout, being overworked into oblivion until they can’t bear to think about the cause they once felt so passionate about. Whether it’s climate change, human trafficking, or food justice, the last thing you want is for a collaborator to give up because you’re just not working efficiently.
If you’re looking to streamline your not for profit organization, read on for some tips on doing so.
Use a P2P solution and customizable software
Many nonprofit employees and managers don’t know about, but should, that there is software out there made for not-for-profit organizations. While you are probably utilizing some forms of software to manage your potential donors, subscribers, events, and contact lists, the truth is that it takes some doing to pair various software, and things often fall between the cracks as a result. The Engaging Networks team recognized the need for a software solution in this niche and put something incredible together.
You can customize your Engaging Networks software by incorporating P2P networks (peer-to-peer networks) into your workflow. How does a P2P solution work? It’s pretty simple. Think of all your various systems and users as peers. Once they can use a P2P solution to transfer files, update donor data, keep everyone apprised of lists and goals, and more seamlessly, you’ll be wasting a lot less time on troubleshooting.
That means that by using a peer-to-peer network, you’ll have more time for the Climate Leadership Council, the branch of Amnesty International, or the ACLU office you’re running. That’s more time for donor outreach, which means more funds to take gas companies to task for their role in climate change. Everyone wins with P2P networks in play.
Keep your employees healthy, hydrated, and eco-friendly
Great-tasting water is crucial to a well-functioning office. There’s a reason that the proverbial water cooler is where everyone gathers to catch up with one another, and that’s because water keeps people feeling alert and ready for the daily tasks. But there is a much more important reason to keep your breakroom supply stocked with spring water by the gallon. Providing spring water for your employees will make people feel cared for, whether they’re drinking cold water or using the hot water to make a cup of coffee and creamer. Employees who feel cared for are more likely to work harder and exhibit company loyalty. So a water dispenser keeps people healthy and happy.
Second, and more importantly, you can’t be environmental leaders, or societal leaders in any realm, with many plastic water bottles lying around. Empty bottles aren’t part of a viable climate solution, and we all know that all oppression is connected. Climate change has to do with racial justice, LGBTQ rights, and immigrant rights.
Whatever you’re fighting for, plastic bottles are wrong for your cause. One solution to this is to enlist the help of a bottle water delivery service. Water delivery will solve your bottled water troubles, as you can have the natural spring water delivered in large, multi-gallon containers for your water dispenser. Go ahead and buy some compostable cups for your breakroom supply, and you’ll be providing spring water (much healthier than tap water!) and minimizing your carbon footprint at the same time.
Business efficiencies within a nonprofit: collaboration with other nonprofits is key
As noted above, whatever cause you’re working on, there are opportunities for collaboration. Intersectionality isn’t just a hype word—it’s a truth. Wherever you are in the United States, the American people are being impacted in myriad ways by the injustices and challenges out there. For example, the Climate Leadership Council, founded by Ted Halstead, does incredible work on climate change-related issues.
Halstead’s organization has advocated for a carbon tax to force corporations like Costco, ExxonMobil, and others to take a closer look at their carbon footprint. A carbon tax would force corporations to pay a carbon fee is if their carbon emissions went over a certain degree. Halstead believes that it’s time we all recognize our role in the climate crisis, starting with those who have the most power over the American people’s fate and the people of the world.
But climate change and carbon emissions don’t impact everyone equally. People of color are far more likely to suffer from lower water quality and air quality, with toxic facilities like coal plants being largely based near communities of color across the U.S. Fighting for clean water for communities of color is inextricably linked to the fight for companies to take climate action. With so many opportunities for collaboration, using a P2P network actually only makes more sense.
Create SMART goals and make sure everyone knows what they are
One of the big challenges with a nonprofit is keeping everyone on the same page. That’s why you should consider making all of your company goals SMART. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Relevant, and Time-based. If your goal isn’t specific, you’ll have myriad interpretations before you can say “carbon dividends framework.”
If they’re not measurable or assignable, how will you know who’s doing what and if it got done to the correct degree? If it’s not relevant or critical at this juncture, you’re probably wasting time. And, speaking of time, if your goals aren’t time-based, your employees will move like molasses on a hot day and won’t get anything done.
Using SMART goals avoids the hassle of endless team meetings to get everyone on task. By using this system along with a P2P network, you won’t believe how much good you’ll be doing for the world. Now you know about business efficiencies within a Nonprofit.
The Power Of Data Analytics For Non-Profits Infographic could provide additional tips
Infographic created by Sylogist, a fund accounting software company
