Get Organized. Get Funded.
It's been our mantra for nonprofits from day 1. Building a solid and sustainable organization is a marathon, not a sprint. Build your organization on solid footing so it can withstand the waves that come your way. Here are some tips and reminders to that end:
1. Build your mission, vision, activities and programs around needs in your community. You can actively seek support from the community around you when they know you are stepping in to fill gaps in service within the community.
2. Don't chase the dollar. It's structure first, funding second -- not vice versa. Build your programs and services based on need and then seek funding that fits.
3. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. If it is in writing, then do it. Don't start programs that aren't in a plan. If your community needs it, plan for it. Write it down. Don't seek funding without it being part of a larger strategy. Don't send letters out on the fly or submit proposals without them being part of a larger strategy. Spend the energy and time needed to develop a solid strategy then go do it!
Build well on a firm foundation, not shifting sand.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
#nonprofits #longtermsustainability #getorganizedgetfunded #communitydevelopmentprofessionals
