Strategies for Nonprofits
A social change agency is nonprofit and based in Olympia, WA. They serve low-income communities, students, immigrants, single moms, people of color, elderly, at risk kids, women, gay and lesbian people, and many more. They have been assisting people with civil rights since 1965. Their core mission is to create an economically, socially, culturally, and socially progressive environment for all.
Strategic planning A strategic plan is a blueprint of the work to be done by a nonprofit. It informs donors, stakeholders and others of the plan and its expected outcomes. Strategies can take many forms and be for various purposes. Examples of strategic plans may include training programs for volunteers, literature distribution, or fund development.
Nonprofits must set up an office in the strategic planning process. A trusted advisor serves as the social change agents in the nonprofit world. He/She has access to funding sources and can recommend creative ways to serve the needs of the people and communities. The trusted advisor is also involved in discussions and coordination between donors, communities, government agencies, corporate sectors, nonprofit organizations, non-profit organizations and other groups. This person also helps in coordinating events, trainings, seminars, conferences, workshops and community outreach projects.
Public Relations There are many ways to develop public relations in the nonprofit world. A public relations specialist helps to strengthen the bond between the nonprofit organizations and its members, and between the members of the community. Public relations help build and maintain relationships between donors, members, other nonprofits and the general public. They also assist in reaching out to and connecting with potential donors and participants. These professionals play an important role in the development of strategic plans of action, service programs and budgeting for the nonprofits.
Grants and Scholarships, A trusted advisor also help to develop and implement grant and scholarship programs for the nonprofits. Grant and scholarship programs are the means by which nonprofit organizations receive financial support in order to carry out their mission and programs. Responsible public relations professional understands the need and importance of these programs and knows how to encourage and guide donors and prospective participants. He/She helps to ensure that adequate funds are available for the programs and for the operations of the nonprofits.
Thought Leadership Training A trusted advisor also provides thought leadership training for nonprofit executives, staff and board members. Thought leadership training helps to develop the skills and mindset of nonprofit leaders so that they can effectively communicate about issues and priorities to their members and the general public. These professionals use a variety of creative communication methods and facilitate open dialogue. They help to build consensus and commitment among diverse stakeholder groups. Through this process, members learn to work as a team and build organizational culture. It is through thought leadership training that the best and most effective nonprofits are built.
Strategic Planning A social change agency must have a strategic plan in order to be successful. This strategic plan sets up the plans and strategies for the nonprofits' activities, budgets and future success. It is important that this document is reviewed and approved by all stakeholders and that it is communicated well. A good strategic planning process allows the nonprofit to set realistic goals and prepare realistic strategies that are feasible and relevant for the organization's needs and objectives. It also allows for a consistent level of communication to ensure that the nonprofit's message is communicated clearly to all who need its services.
Marketing, Communications and Fundraising A social change agency should also have a strong marketing, communications and fund-raising strategy. These professionals plan for strategies and execute them to generate needed funding for the nonprofits. Effective marketing and communications communication campaigns draw in interested people and increase the number of donations and sponsorship. Fundraising efforts can include the use of grants, scholarships, and direct-mail fundraising letters.