Time to talk about your nonprofit’s board of directors.  Why are boards a necessary component of a nonprofit organization?  Who are the members that sit on the board? How does an organization find and recruit members?  Let’s take a look at why board members are such an integral part of your nonprofit.

To start with, any registered 501(c)(3) organization must have a board of directors.  Because this is a tax-exempt status, the IRS legally requires a board of directors. The board is responsible to ensure the nonprofit adheres to the legal, ethical, financial and practical guidelines established for the organization.

Board members should represent your nonprofit and do what’s needed to carry out your mission.  This includes recruiting new members, promoting the organization, advocating for your cause and fundraising.

Finding the right board members can be challenging.  It requires a hard look at what your organization’s needs are and how best to fill those roles.  BoardSource suggests recruiting board members with expertise in the following areas:
Financial Experts

• To ensure that your board has enough financial expertise to provide meaningful oversight of the organization’s finances.
• To bring a financial lens to strategic planning and decision-making.

Legal Experts

• To ensure the board pays attention to relevant legal issues as a part of strategic planning and decision-making.
• To provide guidance about when outside legal counsel might be necessary.
• To help access pro-bono legal resources.

Advocacy Experts

• To help your board think through how expanded board participation in advocacy could help support your mission.
• To help connect your staff with key decision-makers.

Marketing Experts

• To help the board think about your organization’s brand and identity as a part of its overall strategy.
• To help think through strategies to improve outreach, increase access and leverage resources.
• To help access pro-bono marketing resources.

HR Experts

• To help the board apply HR best practices in its management of the the organization’s leadership.
• To bring a human resources lens to strategic planning and decision-making, including talent and change management.
• To help the board manage itself and its own talent.

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Understanding why you need a board of directors and identifying specific needs are only part of the process.  Now to find them! That’s a huge undertaking. Here are a few options to consider for recruiting potential members:

• Volunteer Center McHenry County:  Join VCMC and take advantage of the many benefits membership offers.  This includes the ability to post and share the organization’s board membership needs.  VCMC markets these needs via the website but also through social media and e-news. Visit VCMC to learn more.
•  Recruit from your existing volunteer pool:  Volunteers already know your story and support your mission.  Ask if they might be interested in a different type of volunteer role.
• Network with colleagues:  Don’t be afraid to reach out to colleagues with other nonprofits and ask if they have anyone they could recommend.  They may have knowledge of young professionals in the community looking for the experience of being part of a nonprofit board.   
• Take recommendations and nominations from current board members:  Part of each board members responsibilities should be actively recruiting and vetting potential new members.  They understand best what your organization might need.
• Identify supporters with a personal connection to your cause:  Folks with first-hand view of your organization might provide a diverse perspective to the board.

Visit BoardEffect for more tips on board member recruiting.

Don’t let board member recruiting intimidate you.  A carefully developed recruiting plan will serve you well.

Still needing additional guidance.  Check out these excellent online resources.   
·         National Council of Nonprofits
·         BoardSource
·         BoardEffect

In the nonprofit world, we survive on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, staff, and everyone else who contributes to our organization. Without the time and money they give, we wouldn’t be able to create change and better our community.

But as we dive passionately into mission-based work each day, sometimes those pesky little tasks–like saying thanks–fall to the wayside.

It’s time to move gratitude to the top of your to-do list! Here are the top seven people you need to show appreciation to regularly and why:

1. Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of nearly every nonprofit organization. They keep things running and do so for free. Did you know that just one volunteer hour is valued at $24.69 according to Independent Sector? So for every 20 hours a volunteer commits to your organization, you’re saving nearly $500. If that’s not worth saying thank you, we’re not sure what is.

Betty Stallings, the professional who set the standard for volunteer management best practices (which we teach in our annual Volunteer Management Certification workshops) says, “Recognition needs to be considered an integral part of a total management philosophy that continually seeks to notice and value individual contributions.” What she’s saying here is that it’s not optional. Gratitude is a required part of volunteer management.

Stallings also explains that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on gifts or annual dinners. She believes “meaningful recognition is the myriad ways we formally and informally say ‘I noticed’ and ‘thank you.’”

2. Individual Donors
Saying thank you is an incredible relationship builder. Forbes noted a study indicating that “thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship.” When building your donor base, taking the extra time to say thank you (and not just when you get a check in the mail) will help to develop deeper relationships.

Donor researcher Penelope Burk found through her survey of donors that “24% of respondents who have received what they would term as an ‘exceptional’ thank you letter made a more generous gift the next time.” Taking the time to create a personalized and meaningful thank you is certainly worth the ROI.

Plus, according to the book New Horizons in Arts, Heritage, Nonprofit and Social Marketing, “a 10% improvement in attrition can yield up to a 200% increase in projected value.” That’s right, folks. If you can change 10% of your one-time donors into repeat givers, you could make up to 200% more money through things like planned gifts, recommendations to friends and family, and increases in donation amounts.

3. Funders
Like individual donors, funders’ contributions are vital in keeping a nonprofit organization running smoothly. Some funders may prefer their contribution remains anonymous to the public while others don’t mind if you share. It’s important to ask their preference and acknowledge their gift in whatever way they prefer. Recognizing their funding properly shows helps build credibility and trust between your organization and the funder.

In our recent NIU-partnered workshop, Grant Compliance: Following the Directions featuring grant writer Bob Marovich, the class was encouraged to think of thanking funders as part of the compliance process. It’s a must-be-done, not a nice-to-do. Marovich said to remember that funders have goals, too. You are helping them reach their goals by doing your mission-based work. Go beyond the initial thank you letter and truly celebrate the funder and their gift by showing them the impact their funding has had on your cause and your clients. They might thank you right back.

4. Partners
Developing and maintaining beneficial partnerships is so important in the nonprofit industry. And a bit of gratitude can go a long way in helping preserve those relationships. The previously mentioned article from Forbes also stated that “acknowledging other people’s contributions can lead to new opportunities.”

Showcasing how your organization’s partners have helped drive your mission will give them a reason to stay connected. Prove that you value their collaboration and that together you make a great team.

5. Clients
Obviously thanking a client during a call or visit is a pretty standard form of customer service, but it’s also okay to go above and beyond when expressing gratitude to the people you serve.

In a study published in Psychological Science, researchers had students (“expressers”) write thank you notes to peers who had an impact on their lives (“recipients”). They found that “although expressers predicted that the recipients would feel positively about the letter, recipients reported even more surprise and delight than what the senders expected. Moreover, expressers overestimated the awkwardness that the recipient would feel.” It’s not awkward, it’s appreciated.

6. Staff Members
In doing research based on Gallup statistics for their book How Full is Your Bucket, Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, PhD found that “the number-one reason most Americans leave their jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated. In fact, 65% of people surveyed said they got no recognition for good work last year.”

We all know that in the nonprofit industry, every person wears multiple hats and pitches in to make the magic happen. It takes a special kind of employee to have that dedication to your organization and cause. Make sure your staff knows how important they are to your agency and how much you appreciate their hard work.

7. Yourself
Yes, you! You work hard to change the world. Take time to show yourself some appreciation. Slow down, unplug, and maybe use some of that vacation time. You deserve it.

27 Great Ways to Say Thanks
We’ve talked about who we need to thank, so now let’s dive into the how. Here are some ideas to get you started, but be creative! Do something fun and unexpected.

1. Have a celebratory round of hot chocolate in the break room after completing a big project.
2. Leave a note of gratitude on someone’s desk.
3. Showcase someone in your newsletter or on social media.
4. Write a handwritten thank you note.
5. Bring a special treat to the office, like cupcakes, candy, or anything else delightfully unhealthy.
6. Start your day off with a round of applause for someone who’s working hard.
7. Do a mini-photo shoot with employees and put their updated headshots on your website’s staff page.
8. Buy someone an inexpensive gift that reflects their personality or interests.
9. Share a creative infographic showcasing your agency’s impact.
10. Share some “swag” with your agency logo on it.
11. Interview someone about their contribution in a Facebook LIVE.
12. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones.
13. Bring your pet to work to get everyone’s tail wagging.
14. Get out into the community as a team and volunteer for another great nonprofit for a few hours.
15. Send a funny meme or gif that shows your gratitude.
16. Give someone a VIP Parking spot for a week.
17. Showcase the impact someone is having through a picture- or storybook and share it with them.
18. Ask for and take feedback. Show that you’re listening and you care.
19. Have a board member make a thank you call.
20. Pass a small VMP trophy to a new person around the office each week.
21. Create a fun (and very positive) superlative for all of your volunteers.
22. Frame a photo of someone doing great things for your organization.
23. Make a video of clients sharing their stories or expressing their gratitude.
24. Send a text just saying thanks.
25. Offer to pay for a professional development workshop.
26. Send your annual report with a small, personal note of thanks.
27. And finally, SAY THANK YOU EVERY DAY. Yes, this is on the list. We added it because it’s easy to overlook, but the simple fact is that saying thank you every day is the cheapest, fastest, and best way to show your appreciation.

What are some of your favorite ways to say thank you? Let us know in the comments!

I have written about podcasts in the past, but these worthwhile resources are something to revisit.  New podcasts with new perspectives and new ideas are released every day. Here are ten for you to consider tapping into during 2019.

1. Video Marketing for Non-Profit Organizations
Host Don Gangnagel shares his knowledge, experience and opinions to help nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and governmental agencies create compelling videos with a purpose.

2. Power Purpose & Profit
Purpose Power and Profit is a deeper look at how to start, fund and grow a successful nonprofit business. Sherry Watson is one of the foremost experts in the world on nonprofits, having been one of the authors of the Americans With Disabilities Act, owner of six successful nonprofit corporations and consultant to thousands of nonprofit businesses.

3. Fundraising Secrets Show
Fundraising Secrets brings together the best in the nonprofit sector. Fundraising Secrets will share ideas, teach best practices, learn and listen to the fundraising needs of the nonprofit markets.

4. Nonprofit Startup Podcast
The Nonprofit Startup Podcast is a new podcast that documents the success and setbacks of launching a nonprofit. Chronicling Nerdy Media’s founder and executive, La Toia’s journey to become a social entrepreneur. There are many podcasts that explore the stories of technology, clothing or products startup, but what does it take to launch a nonprofit organization in the 21st century?

5. Tech & Tactics for Social Impact: Using the Whole Whale
We interview leading experts working in the field of technology and marketing that are working on using tech for social impact. The podcast explores what tech is working to create impact and how data is being used effectively within elite organizations. Past guests have included Google Analytics Chief Evangelist Avinash Kaushik, and digital experts from DoSomething.org, Kiva, The Environmental Defense Fund, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Donor's Choose and many others.

6. The Nonprofit Ally Podcast
Steve Vick from NonprofitAlly.com talks with nonprofit experts, board members and executive directors about social media strategies, capacity building, board of director development, fundraising and budgeting. This nonprofit podcast also includes tips on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, newsletters, website development, storytelling, blogging, fundraising, crowd funding and more.

7. Next in Nonprofits
Next in Nonprofits interviews nonprofit leaders and service providers to keep you up to date with the best ideas in social good.

8. The Cause Marketing Podcast
Stay up to date on all things cause marketing and corporate-nonprofit partnerships, including trends, tactics and need-to-know news. Join Joe Waters of SelfishGiving.com and Megan Strand of Engage For Good in this lively, educational weekly podcast!

9. Talking Talent
The official podcast of the Center for Workforce Innovation. The Center for Workforce Innovation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that provides cost-effective solutions to meet the workforce-related needs of their customers. Solutions range from building and maintaining broad-based partnerships to assisting individual organizations in creating targeted talent recruitment and retention strategies.

10. Nonprofit Leadership Podcast
The Nonprofit Leadership Podcast: Making Your World Better features discussions covering the most critical issues, trends and opportunities facing nonprofit leaders and those engaged in social innovation. Hosted by Dr. Rob Harter, in this podcast you will hear real stories from experienced leaders about what strategies and practices have made them successful. It is our hope that through this audio series, people can learn not only what it takes to be an effective nonprofit leader but to hear inspiring stories about people and organizations that are successfully making a positive impact in their communities.


What other nonprofit podcasts do you enjoy? Share them in the comments!

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Volunteer Managers are responsible for selecting, training, and supervising the volunteer staff of an organization.  They have the unique opportunity of managing a team of individuals who want to be part of their organization.  Volunteer management requires a well-rounded, carefully considered, and well-organized strategy.
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So, what does a volunteer manager need to do to keep their volunteer program running like a well-oiled machine?  Amy DeVita, with Top Nonprofits, suggests the following five key areas of concentration to focus on.

Recruit Volunteers
Start the search with existing supporters.  This may include donors, organization members, family members and friends of clients.  During the recruitment process identify potential volunteers’ skills, work experience, and interests.  Be sure you have existing volunteer job descriptions.  If not, create them.
 
Volunteer Management Tools
If possible, utilize a volunteer management software to accumulate, consolidate and organize your volunteer data all in one place.  Software will allow you to create volunteer profiles, track volunteer hours, automate email communication and create online registration forms.  If you don’t have access to a volunteer management software, create a database using Excel or Access to keep your data together.
 
Volunteer Engagement
Once you have your volunteers it is important to do what you can to keep them.  Create and develop relationships with your volunteers.  Take time to learn their names.  Consider having one-on-one time with each volunteer, either in person or on the phone.  This is an opportunity to understand who they are and why they devote their time.  Don’t neglect sharing your volunteer involvement with others.  Use your website or social media platforms to keep folks aware of the outstanding things your volunteers are accomplishing.
 
Consistent Communication
Communication is key in all relationships.  It needs to be clear and consistent.  Once you have identified the volunteer’s preferred method of communication-email, text, or phone call, use it as a tool to keep volunteers updated about what’s going on in the organization.  Share upcoming events, trainings, personnel changes, procedure or policy changes.  Don’t leave a volunteer in the dark.  Keep them engaged.
 
Volunteer Acknowledgement
Everyone needs to know they are appreciated.  Volunteers need to know they are valued and making a difference for your organization.  Create a plan that will promote that feeling.  Start with two simple words – Thank You!
 
A few tips for this:

• Keep it personal:  Use their first name and mention their specific volunteer service.
• Share it publicly:  Highlight specific volunteers on social media, your website, or at an event.
• Tell the story:  Let folks know what volunteer service did for your cause or community.
• Host an appreciation:  Create an event to show your gratitude to the volunteer.  Consider taking them to breakfast or lunch.  Host a picnic and include their families. 

 
Learn more about volunteer management and join the Volunteer Center in January 2019 for the Volunteer Management Certification Workshop.  This event is designed to train Volunteer Managers on organizing, implementing and maintaining an effective volunteer program for their organization.  The curriculum is based on effective best practices used in the industry, illustrated with real-life examples.
 
Volunteer management is a huge piece of your organization’s multi-faceted puzzle.  Its importance represents finding the right volunteers, keeping them engaged and keeping them happy.  Thank you, Volunteer Managers, for all you do to support volunteers.

​Have you heard about the great inter-generational divide facing many organizations today?
​You have probably been part of it and didn’t even realize it. The inter-generational divide refers to the sometimes unfavorable discourse that surfaces during multi-generation interactions.  Maybe you’ve heard that millennials have a sense of entitlement and aren’t easy to work with. Or maybe you’ve heard baby boomers are set in their ways and aren’t willing to try new things. These schools of thought do a disservice to the generations and they are prevalent in all aspects of the work environment, including the nonprofit world.

It helps to understand what groups are out there and the demographic they represent.  Let’s take a look at some of the inter-generational groups you can expect to find in the nonprofit environment:

• Millennials or Gen Y (born 1980-1995).  Millennials favor a multitasking approach and can juggle many responsibilities at once. Millennials are also extremely team-oriented and enjoy collaborating and building friendships with colleagues.  Technology and being connected drive the millennial. They are extremely social media savvy and like to be in the know.
• Xennials (1977-1983).  This smaller piece of the generational pie should not be dismissed.  Wedged between Gen X’ers and Millennials, this group has a keen ability to think abstractly and excel in searching out new solutions, making them great problem solvers.  They grew up in an era where the world wide web was just starting, so they have adapted well to technology trends.
• Generation X or X’ers group (1965-1979).  Gen X’ers are generous with their time and their financial support to nonprofits.  They are ambitious and hardworking, but value the work/life balance. They possess strong technical skills and are more independent than prior generations.  

• Baby Boomers (1946-1964).  Baby boomers are the most generous of all generations, giving of their time and financial support.  According to Forbes, baby boomers are famed for their work ethic and commitment to getting things done.  Between work ethic and sheer years of experience in the workplace, this generation represents a walking trust of organizational knowledge.
• Traditionalist or Silent Generation (born before 1945).  The silent generation was raised with a strong work ethic instilled by their Great Depression era upbringing.  They are fiercely loyal to their employers or their cause. They are determined, and willing to go the distance.  Traditionalists value old-time morals, safety, security, and consistency.

Each of these unique groups of people harbor potentially untapped valuable attributes that can make a difference to your organization.  The most important step is to lose stereotyping and judgmental attitudes towards these generational differences. The key is to embrace the differences and utilize the strengths each generation has to offer.

Nonprofit leaders need to promote inclusion, creative insight, collaboration and communication, ensuring that employees, board members and volunteers follow suit.

Additionally, recognizing these strengths and integrating them into your strategies will help build a well-rounded, functional atmosphere.  An example of this might be embracing mentorship programs that encourage traditionalists and boomers to share organizational knowledge to help develop the millennials and xennials to carry on the organization’s mission. Another option, consider utilizing the collaboration skills of the millennials to lead a team during your next fundraising campaign.

The differences in opinions, values and work ethics should not be admonished but embraced, promoted and valued.  This is how to bridge the inter-generational divide in your nonprofit community.

Each nonprofit agency has its own unique story.  They each have a background that shares their humble beginnings and how they have evolved into what they are today.  There are many pieces to this story and when sharing it with others, especially the media it needs to be accurate and consistent.  Using a carefully crafted media kit is the best way to do this. 

So, what exactly is a media kit?  A media kit is a carefully compiled portfolio of pertinent agency information created to share with others, primarily the media for agency publicity purposes.  It’s an excellent way to get accurate agency details out in a clear, concise, consistent format.

Let’s talk about what type of information should be included.  Stacy Jones with NonprofitPR.org suggests starting with a general introduction page.  This should include up-to-date contact information, along with the agency address, phone number, email, website and social media links.

Provide some general background information.  This should include the agency cause and mission statement.  Next, add agency statistics and facts that represent your activities.  For example, share the number of clients you serve and their demographic information.  Include information about any annual events your organization holds, and details about how or where people can donate.  Feel free to use charts, graphics, photos, and other illustrations of your goals and mission.

It’s also important to share the biographical information of your organization’s leadership team.  This is an excellent spot to showcase their expertise and accomplishments.  On the final or back page of the media kit, be sure to include your website, address, phone number and contact information again.

A simple, concise media kit can be used during special events, fundraisers, conferences, workshops and community events.  Always be sure the information is correct, current and tailored to best serve its purpose.  Don’t forget to include it on your agency web site in an easily downloadable file format. 
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Media kits are an essential public relations tool for sharing key points about your organization.  Take advantage of their value and have yours ready to go.

You did it!  Your organization has reached a remarkable milestone.  Maybe it’s serving your 1,000th client.  Maybe your programs have been serving the community for 10 years.  Or maybe the agency has received a significant grant or donation. Whatever the specifics of the milestone, it deserves to be shared and celebrated!

This is an excellent opportunity to share your accomplishments with the community, those you serve and those that support your mission, specifically donors.  Katy Teson, content strategist for Wired Impact offers three very important reasons to celebrate:
1.  Celebrations will help to reinforce your mission and vision by showing there’s still a need or problem to be solved.
2.  This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with loyal supporters by acknowledging the people and partners that have made your progress possible.
3.  This will help reinforce your organization’s legitimacy by demonstrating that your programs and services make a tangible impact.

Now that you understand why the celebration is important, let’s talk about the best way to do it. It is critical to start with a well-planned and organized campaign.  Putting in the work upfront will lead to success.  Start with pulling together a diverse team of folks, including seasoned, retired and current team members.  Their input will be invaluable.

Donor Box suggests keeping these tips in mind as you get things rolling:​
-Identify specific milestones.  Put some thought into this.  Consider the value the milestone has brought to your organization and why it should be shared.
-Decide what the campaign will achieve.  Do you want this campaign to be used as a fundraiser?  Maybe you are interested in increasing your visibility to a specific audience.  Choose your goals early in the process to keep you on target.
-Begin the campaign process early.  There’s a lot of work to get done before the celebration begins.  Allow time for planning, preparation and execution.
 -Involve EVERYONE.  Your organization has reached this milestone with help from those who believe in it.  Include staff, board members, and volunteers.
-Brand the campaign.  This is an excellent time to enhance your presence with a unique tag line or image that identifies your milestone.

Celebrations provide you with an excellent opportunity to contribute more content to your social media platforms.  Now's the time to share personal stories, photos and videos.  Don’t forget to thank those that have helped the organization on its' journey.  Reach out to staff, volunteers, board members and anyone else who has supported the organization with time, treasure, or talent.

Anniversary celebrations are an outstanding time to share your achievements, while you continue to spread awareness of your mission.  They are also an opportunity to promote the organization’s vision for the future.  Don't miss out on doing both!

Please share your milestones with the Volunteer Center so that we may help spread the word about the great work your organization is doing!

Congratulations on your past accomplishments and best of luck on your future endeavors!