January 28, 2014
For nonprofits, the ability to fundraise is key and having the right development officer is an integral part of the formula. Nonprofits that are looking to increase their operating budget in the coming years should look into improving the development officer position. Fundraising has grown increasingly more complicated with a down economy and numerous new sources for donation.
While having more options for donation increases the amount of money that can be collected, some nonprofits are not familiar with how to utilize new technology. Raising funds via the Internet through platforms such as Facebook or using crowdfunding requires more talent than some in an organization may care to admit. Furthermore, it still makes up a relatively small part of donations for most nonprofits. While organizations can take advantage of these new ways to raise funds, they in no way decrease the need for the a development officer.
Interviewing candidates to help with fundraising efforts
According to Nonprofit Quarterly, CEO's must extensively vet candidates for the development officer position. It's important that those doing the interview also have a strong knowledge of the how to raise funds so that they know what to questions ask. When interviewing, it's important to ask the candidate how they would handle funding issues that impact your nonprofit. Ask about figurative situations and challenges that the organization is actually facing.
Also, make sure your company has a defined position for raising the funds. If you can afford it, don't have the person that will develop fundraising strategy wear multiple hats. This individual should be able to focus almost exclusively on ensuring that the nonprofit can reach out to donors and remain financially viable. In a small organization where the position may go unfilled, it is still important to have board members and staff with a deep understanding of how nonprofits raise money.
Content presented by First Nonprofit Companies, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.
Ready to chat? Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.
We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!
Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.
Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.
It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.
NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.
Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.