Nonprofit Operations: Fix Your Foundation

If we sat down for coffee to talk through your nonprofit’s operations, I’d likely end up saying the same thing: fix your foundation first.

Why? Basic functions and problems often turn into a big time suck over time. It’s where nonprofit operations often break down and why you, nonprofit executive, don’t have time for what truly matters.

My favorite example, albeit not from a nonprofit: My daughter’s school sends home a printed report once every grading period, mailed in large manila envelope, and it costs $1.63 (or at least the last one did). Multiply that by every parent who receives a similar report every grading period, and suddenly you’re looking at a meaningful amount of taxpayer dollars spent on time, paper, and postage when an email would do the job.

Another example I see from nonprofits in particular: Many print their QuickBooks reports, drive the reports plus bills to their accountant, drive back another day to pick them up, track down signatures, mail payments, and repeat.

These kinds of outdated nonprofit systems add up quickly. I love you all, but time is money, friends.

Think about these two small examples and then think about other functions of running an organization. I guarantee there are foundational issues that need to be addressed. These are all very unsexy topics, but when your nonprofit operations are solid, there’s you and your team have time for strategy, fundraising, marketing, and serving people in need.

Good news: I’ve dealt with these foundational problems personally when I led a nonprofit organization and I help others do the same as a consultant. Book a complimentary discovery call to learn more.