3 important considerations for any nonprofit

June 19, 2014

3 important considerations for any nonprofit

Asking questions that reveal the technical details of operations, as well as the attitudes and ideas of employees and volunteers, can help nonprofits become more effective at fulfilling their missions. By reconsidering the usefulness of certain programs, outreach materials and fundraising efforts, charitable organizations can trim the fat from operations and put themselves in a better position to further their missions. By adapting an inquisitive mentality, organizations can challenge long-held perceptions – not to intentionally disrupt operations, but to make sure their methods are still valid.

Here are three big questions nonprofits can ask themselves to stay agile and focused:

What progress has been made? MarketingProfs highlighted this question as one nonprofits need to ask themselves on a regular basis. By measuring the development of fundraising efforts and programs, charitable organizations are better able to understand where their strengths and weaknesses lie. Achieving a balance between contributions and program effectiveness, while also considering volunteer involvement and staff members' professional development, can help managers better understand where to focus resources. MarketingProfs suggests having explicit goals written down that can be compared to actual progress on a regular basis, be it monthly or quarterly. The important part is to chart these measurements over an extended period of time.
Are we prioritizing the right approaches? There are plenty of low- or no-cost avenues that nonprofits can pursue to raise money, attract volunteers and develop awareness of their causes. However, charitable groups also need to make sure they're using the most effective paths and methods to reach their goals. Spreading employee responsibilities too thin or using too many different channels to try to attract donations can negatively impact overall effectiveness. By determining which non-essential activities are providing the least return on investment, nonprofits can better focus their efforts.
Are extraneous expenses being reviewed and reduced? Getting rid of unnecessary costs allows more money to flow into programs or the hiring and retention of staff. Nonprofits can avoid the often unpredictable and onerous costs of state unemployment insurance (SUI) taxes by electing to become reimbursing employers. By matching unemployment claims on a dollar-for-dollar basis, organizations will have better financial control. However, nonprofits still need to account for spikes in unemployment. Using an Unemployment Savings Program or Bonded Service Program helps charitable groups prepare for jobless claims without having to surrender budgeted funds to pay unemployment taxes.

For information on how your organization can cost-effectively meet its unemployment insurance needs, contact First Nonprofit Group at FNCUI@firstnonprofit.com or visit www.firstnonprofitgroup.com.

Testimonials

First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.

WI Council of Religious & Independent Schools (WCRIS), Madison, WI

First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.

Community Care Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.

Gulfside Healthcare Services, New Port Richey, FL

FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!

Advancing Academics, Turtle Creek, PA

Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL

FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.

Daniel Kids, Jacksonville, FL

When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.

Homes of Hope, Chicago, IL

First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!

3 important considerations for any nonprofit