Organizational values can cloud best practices at nonprofit organizations

February 21, 2014

Organizational values can cloud best practices at nonprofit organizations

A lack of communication, control and procedures can be the downfall of any organization, according to Nonprofit Quarterly. When discussing the demise of one nonprofit in Alaska, NPQ cited the biggest takeaway for other nonprofits is to make sure organizational values do not eclipse good business practice.

Nonprofits face many issues regarding leadership, employee roles
From the board all the way down to volunteers, there is no shortage of challenges for nonprofit organizations. In some cases, board members are concerned about getting involved at numerous levels and asking too many questions of the employees. On the other hand, employees may find themselves overwhelmed and treading in unfamiliar territory, but afraid to speak up.

Nonprofits understandably want to operate organizations that run off of trust and a group consensus regarding goals and best practices. However, leadership is key and if board members recognize a problem within the organization that appears to require further analysis, they begin asking questions. A leader is most important when organizations find themselves in crisis, so sitting on the sidelines and watching is not where board members should find themselves

Calling in experts for help early
Early in a crisis, or preferably before one occurs, organizations should turn to professional consulting groups for help with the complex issues surrounding nonprofits. Nonprofit financial consulting services provide a number of options to prevent crippling debt and a lack of financial control:

  • A review to determine the effectiveness of a nonprofit's current financial reports and advice on how to improve them for better budget development in the future
  • Supervise or fully assume the roles of the nonprofits accounting department
  • Conduct fraud prevention audits because nonprofits are often considered easy targets for financial scams
  • Work with management to ensure controls are in place to reduce errors within the organization
  • Training, governance and succession development programs for an organization's board members

Content presented by First Nonprofit Group, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.

single-post10971

Ready to chat?
Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.

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!

Women's Choice Network, Pittsburgh, PA