3 Nonprofit Management Tips To Maximize Results Without Sacrificing Passion

By January 20, 2014Nonprofit

Colored PencilsIf you work in a managerial position at a nonprofit, you know that there are certain issues that are unique to the nonprofit world.  Many nonprofits have to work with the funds they have, not the funds they would like to have.  And although many talented workers are interested in working for nonprofits, the lower salaries tend to result in a high turnover.  Of course, there are nonprofits which don’t face these problems but, by and large, many of them do.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to nonprofit management:

  1. Passion vs. Practicality.  It sounds like a Jane Austen novel (Sense and Sensibility) but passion and practicality are two qualities that are often in conflict with each other.  Often, people who are passionate about a certain cause enter the nonprofit world because they’re looking to make a difference.  People who are practical generally go for the for-profit world since this is where they are likely to get better salaries.  However, it can really be beneficial to a nonprofit organization to have both, passion and practicality in its employees.  This is something that you can look out for at the managerial level.
  2. Creating a Feeling of Family.  It helps to create a familial feeling in any kind of organization, whether it’s for-profit or not-for-profit.  However, it’s particularly beneficial to a nonprofit organization because you’re already working on a tight budget and with employees who are likely to get disillusioned after a while due to the heavy workload.  Prevent this from happening by creating a friendly, congenial atmosphere around the office.  Let employees know that they are appreciated with little gestures.  Even a company mug or a small cake on someone’s birthday can help them to feel like they belong.
  3. Preventing Burnout.  Employees often leave nonprofit organizations because they start feeling burnt out.  This is especially true if they are constantly in contact with people who are in need of help.  If your nonprofit organization works with victims of domestic violence or the homeless, this can take an emotional toll on your employees.  Encourage employees to be good to themselves by preventing them from working too much overtime.  Everyone needs a vacation or a day off now and then, but this is especially true with nonprofit employees.

It can be immensely satisfying to work at a nonprofit and know that you’re helping people.  Contact us for more nonprofit management tips that will help make sure your workforce shares this optimism.