Resources for Organizations

The Call to Service was stated loud and clear in President Elect Obama’s campaign and acceptance speech. He voiced the need for all of the Citizens of the US to work together to bring the US back to our standard of excellence. This causes me to ask all of us in Ministry Management; if we are ready for the onslaught of volunteers that will come knocking at our doors? Volunteers are the greatest asset any non-profit organization can have. Without them many of our doors would have closed a long time ago. However there are many pitfalls that can occur, if they are not properly managed.

I read an interesting article from Crain's Nonprofit News. It mentioned that Michigan Radio, a NPR station surpassed its Fall fundraising goals.

The world is going throughquite a economic roller coaster. For the average Executive in ministry the thought of raising money for the cause is laughable. However WE cannot throw up our hands in despair and say there is no money left. More than ever there is a need to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. Jesus stated that the Poor will always be among us. Therefore YOU will have to find the funds to support your organization's mission. These stats are from 2002, but let's face it...even in bad economic times, there are people who are wealthy. According to World Wealth Report 2.2 million North Americans have liquid financial assets of more than 1 million. Thus, we have a mandate to see who in our community can help us in our endeavors.

A study recently conducted by several non-profit groups, including CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and Idealist.org, entitled Ready to Lead? Next Generation Leaders Speak Out, has left nonprofit managers a little uneasy as how how to attract young, enthusiastic workers to management-level positions in their organizations.

I am reading an interesting book on Fundraising titled, "Fundraising in times of Crisis". The portion that caught my attention was on why Board members do not like to ask for money. Typically this is a huge problem in the ministry. We are doing the work of the Lord. We know intellectually that we have to have funds to operate, but we do not open our mouths. However how 'yucky' and anti-ministry it maybe; we have to open our mouths and ask. I have to admit that it is not easy when it comes to asking for money, but the Bible (paraphrased) says that we do not get what we want because we do not ask for it. Ms. Klein's suggestion is that each organization (ministry) should internalize the following: 1.

What can I say...I am passionate about highly effective churches and faith-based institutions. I once read somewhere that you gift lies in what always irratated you. Well, a badly ran or functioning church meeting can send me to tears. It took me years to figure out why I would get driven to insanity at a meeting while everyone else seemed to be okay with the state of the administration of the church. I watched many good heart people die in the flames of bureaucracy. After some soul search and guidance from the Lord, I decided to go into Non-Profit Management as a field. I am working on my PhD and currently in the genesis of a Consulting firm to assist churches with their handling of administration functions.

This presentation from the May 2008 AGRM conference demonstrates how technology can simplify administrating, educating, and communciating with people who operate rescue missions.

If you are looking for guidance on how to lead your nonprofit organization forward, the Free Management Library may be an invaluable resource. The site has over 5000 articles covering 650 topics, including fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and human resources.

Every nonprofit needs a good policies and procedures manual. However, if your organization is just starting out, you may not know what to include. VolResource.org.uk provides samples which cover the basics.