Displaying items by tag: nonprofit
Unlocking Nonprofit Success: Beyond Business Strategies
by Valerie Harkins, Director of Maternity Housing Coalition for Heartbeat International
Picture a scene where the boardroom of a nonprofit echoes the spirited debate between the board of directors and the organization's leader. On one side, the board members advocate for evaluating a maternity home solely through data-driven metrics: numbers of women served, funds raised, and beds occupied. On the other side, the nonprofit leader passionately argues for a deeper understanding of success—one that transcends mere data points. This leader grapples with the challenge of articulating the true impact of the maternity home: the stories of hope restored, the lives transformed, and the futures redeemed. The tension mounts as both sides strive to navigate the delicate balance between tangible statistics and the intangible essence of mission-driven success.
In the dynamic landscape of nonprofit management, there exists a persistent allure towards borrowing business strategies as a formula for success. However, the notion that what we commonly understand, as business analytical principles are exclusive to the business realm, overlooks a crucial reality: these are not business principles, but instead represent a broader set of analytics of success applicable across social sectors. Many of the analytical approaches, such as empirical review of outputs, can certainly be used when evaluating a nonprofit, however, must be taken into context first to define success.
Defining Success
Oftentimes, businesses prioritize financial performance and market dominance, but nonprofits are fundamentally driven by mission-driven outcomes. Therefore, measuring success in a nonprofit context cannot be confined to traditional business metrics. Instead, it must be defined by the profound impact on the lives transformed in alignment with the organization's core mission.
Unlike the profit-driven models of businesses, the success of a nonprofit is intricately tied to its ability to effect positive change in communities and individuals. This change, however, cannot always be neatly quantified in dollars and cents. When dealing with complex issues, such as poverty alleviation, educational empowerment, or healthcare accessibility, the metrics of success extend far beyond financial gains. It requires a nuanced approach that combines quantitative data with qualitative insights to comprehensively assess the impact on the lives touched by the organization's mission.
The task assigned to the nonprofit leader then shifts to becoming a researcher of their own organization to gather evidence that points toward missional success—or failure. Missional failure becomes not only possible but more likely when a nonprofit is evaluated and led chiefly through objective data, neglecting the nuanced, human-centric aspects that truly define the organization's impact and success.
Learn More
Join us for an illuminating webinar on April 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET, where we delve deeper into why thinking like a business isn't the ultimate answer for nonprofit success. We will explore how to redefine success in the nonprofit sector and discuss practical strategies for effectively measuring and communicating your mission-driven impact. Save your spot and register today for this thought-provoking session that aims to empower nonprofit leaders and enthusiasts alike with invaluable insights and actionable strategies.
Together, let's redefine success and maximize our impact in the communities we serve.
Do's and Don'ts of a Nonprofit in an Election Season
As yet another controversal election draws ever nearer, it's time to refresh on what is—and isn't—allowed for your organization during the election season. Let's take a look at the key do's and don'ts as we come up to the 2020 presidential election.
The first platinum rule for you as a nonprofit and as representatives of the nonprofit is that you may not endorse, support or oppose any specific candidate or political party. Your activities must be nonpartisan. The second platinum rule is that you as an individual—regardless of what your job is—may personally endorse, support or oppose any candidate or political party. To state it again:
- A 501(c)(3) is not permitted to endorse, support or oppose any candidate for public office or any political party. Period. That is the law.
- Second, as individual citizens who happen to be employed by nonprofits, you are certainly able to exercise your rights as citizens as guaranteed under the Constitution.
Let’s talk about what a nonprofit CAN do:
- A nonprofit can conduct a voter education forum in a nonpartisan manner…in other words it is not truly nonpartisan if a nonprofit only invites one candidate. The forum must be held for the purpose of educating and informing voters, which provides fair and impartial treatment of candidates, and which does not promote or advance one candidate over another.
- A nonprofit can operate a voter registration booth with its name displayed on the booth.
- A nonprofit can provide transportation to the polls as long as it does not drive only those who will vote for a favorite candidate.
- A nonprofit can target turnout efforts to the people or areas they serve, or population groups, students, elderly, minority groups.
- A nonprofit can continue to do normal lobbying on issues.
- A nonprofit can work on behalf of a ballot measure.
- A 501(c)(3) can rent or sell mailing lists to candidates at fair market value, as long as it is made available to all candidates.
Further, if a representative of a nonprofit is asked to speak publicly during an election cycle or specifically asked for opinions about candidates, representatives of a 501(c)(3) should:
- Decide who will speak publicly on behalf of the 501(c)(3) organization, so that non-designated staff will not inadvertently say something inappropriate.
- Script responses before talking to reporters.
- Focus on what was said (the issue), not who said it (the candidate). Avoid talking about a candidate’s qualifications or whether someone is a good or bad candidate.
- Avoid discussing a candidate’s record; commenting on a candidate’s record is very close to commenting on a candidate’s qualifications or whether he or she should be elected.
- Avoid talking about voters and making references to the election. For example, instead of saying “Voters will not accept…” say, “Americans won’t accept...”
- Avoid identifying the candidate by name. It is better to say: “During the recent Republican debate, statements were made about [topic]. We disagree…”
- Be very cautious if a reporter asks about which candidate is better on the 501(c)(3)’s issues, or whether the 501(c)(3) agrees with a statement a candidate made. Issue the disclaimer: “Well, as you know, we are a nonprofit and are not permitted to endorse, support or oppose any candidate.” Then go back to scripted statements and rules above.
- A 501(c)(3) organization may urge all candidates to take a stand or act on an issue, without commenting on specific candidate statements. For example, a 501(c)(3) organization may want to urge both major party candidates in a local, state, or federal race to take more forceful action on the issue of illegal guns and violence. A 501(c)(3) making this kind of communication should be careful to avoid criticizing any candidate, and should focus on the need for all candidates to take action.
What can a nonprofit NOT do:
- A nonprofit cannot post anything on its website or in its office that favors or opposes a candidate for public office.
- A nonprofit cannot distribute printed material that favors or opposes a particular candidate.
- A nonprofit should monitor any content linked to its website.
- A nonprofit cannot do political fundraising for any candidate.
- Do not use the “magic words” vote for or vote against a particular candidate.
- A nonprofit cannot contribute time, facilities or money to a candidate.
- Do not coordinate activities with a candidate.
- Do not publish anything in official newsletters, brochures or publications of any kind that favors or opposes a candidate.
- Do not increase the organization’s level of criticism or praise of an official or devote a special issue of its publications to an incumbent’s favorable or unfavorable record.
- Do not distribute more copies than usual of a regular publication during the campaign year.
- Do not focus on the personal character or qualifications of an incumbent, or campaign contributions of the incumbent.
- Do not connect the organization’s criticism of a voting record of an official to an election. For example, publicly remarking that an official is anti-immigrant and mentioning that people should register to vote.
- Do not point out that a particular candidate’s actions (as opposed to official actions) or views are incorrect. For example, a 501(c)(3) should not urge the public to withhold campaign contributions for a Senator’s re-election if she votes for the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” or remark that one candidate would be better than another candidate at creating green jobs if elected than another candidate.
