Teaching Philanthropy

Thursday, May 17, 2012

by Grace Armstrong, CEO

I recently served as a panelist representing the nonprofit sector. The audience was a chamber leadership group. As might be expected, I was asked what advice I would give the audience about nonprofits. That is a big question and one that could be answered in so many different ways.

What I answered that night was: Teach your children philanthropy. I think it is important to think about the future and what we can do today to keep the future promising. The fact is that 83% of charitable giving is from individuals (this includes bequests). The best way to insure that this number grows is to teach our children about giving.

The latest trend in philanthropy indicates that more people are giving but they are giving in smaller amounts. The reason for this is likely the opportunities to give through social media. Gifts given through text message are limited to $20 per gift. There are more opportunities now than ever before to give in different ways. Our children hear it on television. We want them to hear it and see it modeled at home. We want children to learn to share their treasure and give their time at an early age. The best way for that to happen is for children to learn from their families.
That is one way for the nonprofit sector to thrive and continue meeting needs beyond those of us here today.

Effective Out Of Office Messages

Friday, December 02, 2011

By Ashley Pero, Program Manager

As the holidays approach so does (hopefully!) your time out of the office. It is important not to forget to set your out of office email and voicemail messages. You can easily set a task reminder for the day of your departure to pop up in Outlook. And, if you do forget it is worth a trip back to the office (or a quick remote in) to get it set. An effective out of office message can save you time when you get back to the office and also lets people know why they haven’t heard back from you. These people can be coworkers, donors, clients, volunteers or that all important potential donor – you don’t want to leave them thinking you are unresponsive or don’t care.

You can craft an effective out of office message by answering a few simple questions.
• When will you be out of the office and what day will you return?
• Will the office be closed during any of the time your away?
• How can you be contacted (if at all)?
• Who can they contact while you’re away?

An email out of office example: 
    Hello. 

    I will be out of the office with no access to email until Tuesday, January 3. I will respond to all emails upon my return.

    If you require immediate assistance please call our office, (888) 888-8888, and someone will be happy to assist you.

    The office will be closed December 23, 26, 30 and January 2.

    Thank you.

Your voicemail out of office can be similar, but try and keep it short with just the important information.

• You could also have limited access to email/voicemail or available only by cell phone – if that is the case let them know how long they should expect a response to take.

• If there is a particular person they should ask for in your office list that person’s name, email and phone number. If there are certain people for certain issues list them all (being mindful while recording your voicemail out of office).

And one last thing, if you are using Outlook make sure to set both the internal and external message (both tabs). The same message can work, but you customize both depending on your office size and office requirements.

Enjoy any and all of the holidays that you celebrate!

An Ode to the Nonprofit Professional

Friday, September 23, 2011

Submitted by Sumac Research at Sumac.com

You are a nonprofit professional. I'm sure you don't pat yourself on the back everyday for the good you do, but you're pretty special. You have dedicated your life to giving back; to helping the world's disadvantaged, filling the gaps in social services, nurturing arts and culture, and saving the environment. You resisted pressure from your parents to become a lawyer or an accountant in order to serve more altruistic ends, often with little pay, long hours, and little recognition. This is an ode to you - the nonprofit professional. Borrowing from some of the greats, we hope to inspire you and remind you why what you do is so wonderful.

"What we do may only be a drop in the ocean, but the ocean wouldn't be the same without it," Mother Teresa

"It takes a noble person to plant a seed and grow a tree that will one day provide shade to those whom one may never meet." Dr. D. Elton Trueblood

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

" Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

"Remember, the final measure of your life won't be how well you live, but how others live because of you." Bill Gates

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday, and lose sight of the bigger picture: the good that you have done and the impact that it has on the world, but you should step back every once in a while to see how great it is. A research study conducted by Michigan State University and published in the European Journal of Social Sciences in 2010 examined a simple act of altruism - the act of opening a door for someone - and the effect it had. The research found that when a door was held open for someone, that person was more likely to hold the door open for the next person. So, atruism begets altruism.

If the simple act of holding a door open can inspire others in such a way, you can imagine the wave of good that your service has had on the world. So, whenever you get frustrated because you haven't quite met your goals, or your heart feels heavy thinking about those still in need, remember what you have done, and rest assured knowing that the good you do stretches far beyond what you can possibly see.

Submitted by Sumac.com.

Measuring What We Can Control

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

by Grace Armstrong, CEO, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay

There are very few people I know who get excited about program evaluation. So many of us think of outcomes as something we have to consider when we are writing a grant and we worry about how we can track and prove to a funder that we have met our goals.

I think the world is changing. I know I have changed. I now get excited about having outcomes for our organization, about tracking them, and about talking about our results. The world is changing because more funders and investors are interested in impact. They want to invest their money in organizations that are making a difference and can prove it. There are many new writings about high performing organizations, impact, and how to measure impact.

For me the book that made the most difference in my attitude about outcomes and impact is Mark Friedman’s Trying Hard is Not Good Enough. What I learned from reading this book is that we should only be measuring what we control. One organization cannot reduce poverty in the United States; yet, we often feel that we are supposed to achieve these grand results because our mission statement says that is our goal. Each organization, regardless of its mission, has a piece of the process that leads to the grand outcome. So, what is your piece? What services do you provide over which you have control and which you can measure?

For example, at our organization, the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, we teach board members and staff members of other nonprofits the skills to run an effective nonprofit business. We can teach skills and provide best practice education. We can provide the best teacher, with the most relevant information delivered in an engaging and interactive manner. We, however, cannot control what each nonprofit does with the information they receive once they leave our training center. We also cannot follow each nonprofit for months. Therefore, we measure each student’s perception of the quality of each program, whether they increased their skill or knowledge, and whether they perceived value for the time and money invested among other things. We use the student’s rating because that is what we have available. They are the only ones who can tell us whether knowledge and skill increased as a result of our work.

We are then able to use this data from every single student about every single training program and draw some conclusions that our work contributes to building a strong nonprofit sector.

It is very liberating to have clarity on what can be controlled and measured and to keep the proper perspective about the impact your work has on the overall problem you are trying to improve or change. With clarity it is easy to demonstrate to donors and funders that you are in control of your work and of your outcomes. It is easy to know where you need to improve and to show where you are doing well if you are measuring those outcomes over which you have control.

The most important thing is to determine clearly what it is that you control and how best to measure those things. The next most important thing is to use the data you obtain to improve your work and to make a great case for support.

What Do People Think When You Walk in the Room?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

by Ashley Pero, Program Manager, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.

I enjoy arriving to meetings early. This isn’t just because I am extremely punctual, I also love to people watch. (You do too, don’t you? It’s okay, I won’t tell!) I often find myself wondering what people think when they are people watching me. I will be honest, some days I shouldn’t receive a glowing review. You cannot be “on” every day and no one expects you to be, but that doesn’t stop people from forming their opinions about you and your level of competence.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting in on a new program we are offering at the Nonprofit Leadership Center, Take Control of Your Professional Presence. The program is taught by a wonderful consultant, Margarita Sarmiento. (I highly recommend that you join us next time it is offered.) Margarita explained not only the importance of your professional presence, but also how to improve your presence and control the image that you portray to the world. Below I have shared a few tips that everyone can incorporate to improve their image in and out of the office.

• Smile! Not everyone is a natural smiler, but you can make an effort to smile at people. This simple act makes you seem more open and approachable.
• Make eye contact. Eye contact shows that you care enough to pay attention to the other person. Even if that just means stopping what you are doing to ask if you can continue the conversation later when you can give it the appropriate attention.
• Lead by example. Make sure your actions are demonstrating what you expect of others. People mimic the actions they see most often.
• Always make sure your outfit meets the 4 P’s: polished, professional, pulled together and people friendly.
• Make your comments worthwhile and memorable. This will sometimes require you to stop and think about what to say, but it is worth the extra time.
• Always ask yourself, “What message am I sending right now?” and adjust if needed.

We all want to make a great impression, first or otherwise, but sometimes forget that people are always observing. It only a takes a little more thought and a minute at the most to act on any of the tips above, but the benefit to your image is invaluable.

What other tips do you live by to improve or maintain your image?

Taking a Leap of Faith

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

By Tyler Hood, Program Coordinator, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.

My best friend and roommate in college recently returned from a three-month trip to Guatemala. After graduating with a degree in landscape architecture Lance decided he wanted to learn Spanish. He applied to a school in Guatemala that would provide three months of Spanish training, shelter, and two meals a day. After putting his career on hold and saying goodbye to his family Lance was off to Central America. He had a bag of clothes, some money, a calling card, and a stomach full of American cupcakes. What he didn’t have, was a clue as to what kind of opportunities and life changes this trip would entail.

Sometimes it takes a leap of faith like this to realize our potential. Confidence usually plays a big part of the decision and often takes on the inhibitor role. An easy way to get past one’s inhibitions about a certain decision is to weigh the options. Taking a leap of faith is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. Make a pros and cons list for the decision. Think about the outcomes and consult your loved ones and mentors. Plan ahead, but not too much. In other words be prepared but expect the unexpected. I know that is a contradiction in itself. What I mean is have a good idea of what you expect the results to be, but be open to that changing. Most of the time when we reflect on the past decisions we have made they have not gone exactly to plan. Having an open mind will make the entire process easier. Some people do not deal well with change and will always struggle when it comes to taking leaps of faith. It is a lack of faith in themselves that prevents them from experiencing change. This is why the planning stage is so important. What if there is limited time to make that decision? Sometimes there is no time to plan and talk through the decision at hand. In these situations I try to just listen to my heart and intuition and go from there.

Now you’re probably wondering what happened to Lance (the landscape architect/Traveler)? Within the first week of his Spanish schooling he was asked by an administrator if he would mind filling in for the English teacher at the nearby elementary school the next day. Lance agreed and taught his very first English class the next day. Afterwards he went to the administrator and asked how much longer he would be needed and when the actual English teacher would be returning. The administrator looked him in the eye and said “You are the English teacher”! After three months of teaching the children Lance returned home. But he did not return as the traveling landscape architect. He returned with a heavy heart for Spanish speaking children who wanted to learn English. He was now a teacher! In six months Lance plans on departing for Costa Rica where he will teach English in poverty stricken communities.

Sometimes in order to spark change we need to take a leap of faith. Whether it takes a nudge or a shove be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Have an idea of what you expect, but be open to change. Next time you are faced with a tough decision or opportunity, bite the bullet and take a leap of faith!

Small Message, Big Impact by Terri L. Sjodin

Thursday, August 18, 2011

A Book Review by Lorraine Faithful, Operations Manager, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Have you worked hard on that short speech so you will be ready the next time you only have a few minutes to say what you want to when you run into that “very important person?” Are your thoughts developed and organized to take advantage of all opportunities that come your way? Have you perfected your communications skills so that your next sales pitch gets you exactly what you want (a longer appointment for instance?)

If not, there is help. Pick up this short but powerful book that gets you ready to achieve those goals. Small Message, Big Impact - How To Put the Power of the Elevator Speech Effect To Work For You, is a practical how-to guide on effectively communicating an important message in a short period of time and getting tangible results. An elevator speech is not your goal; rather it’s your means to an end. The end product of your elevator speech is to obtain a longer meeting which then provides you sufficient time to achieve your bigger goal (a sale, a new idea, concept or project, or a new donor or volunteer.)

Learn the simple details of the elevator speech: introduction, body, conclusion and close. Find out how to make your speech intriguing and inspirational. Put yourself in your listener’s shoes and ask yourself, “What does your message mean to them? Will you save them time or money? Will you preserve their mental sanity or can you offer them security? Will you make life more fun for them?”

Follow the easy steps of how to create a persuasive and compelling case. Learn the importance of speaking in your own authentic voice for maximum effectiveness.

Don’t forget: everyone needs an elevator speech as we are all selling something at some time. Whether you are in the for-profit or the not-for profit world, you will often find yourself in circumstances that require the need to generate immediate results. In most cases, telling your story well is critical and sharing your message effectively is essential.

Take advantage of the easy-to-learn skills outlined in this book so that you’ll deliver the perfect elevator speech and never waste another moment on lost opportunities. Purchase this book here: http://www.nonprofitleadershipcenter.com/resources-recommended-reading

What Does A Nonprofit Leader Really Need to Know?

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

By Grace Armstrong, CEO, Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Inc.

At the Nonprofit Leadership Center we partner with the University of Tampa to offer a graduate credit Certificate in Nonprofit Management. This program was developed to prepare emerging leaders to step into the roles that our retiring leaders are vacating.

I am a perfect example of a nonprofit leader who stepped into the role of Executive Director without ever having worked in a nonprofit, without ever being exposed to an Executive Director at work, and with no training in leadership. I had supervised a staff team and I had managed contracts. As I write today, I think back and ask myself, in an ideal world, what would have been the perfect set of knowledge and skills that would have helped me at that point in my career, given me confidence, and saved me lots of time.

This is what I think.

I think nonprofit leaders need to know how to bring out the best in others. This includes their board, their staff, and their prospects for resource support. Not everyone is born with this talent, but I believe that consciousness can be raised about the importance of this skill and I believe the skill can be taught. This can be taught through assessments and developing an understanding of self and others, through learning about emotional intelligence, and through case studies and role playing. In addition, leaders need performance management skills. After bringing out the best in staff, managing behavior for maximum performance is key to an organization's success and sustainability.

I think leaders of nonprofit organizations need to be taught presentation skills and public speaking skills. The leader is the main voice of the organization and must be good at sharing information and persuading others. These skills are easily taught and learned through practice and feedback.

I think leaders of nonprofit organizations need to be taught to how to network. We are all thrust into this mode and many of us avoid it or complain about it. We often find someone else to do it for us. A few simple techniques can be taught, practiced, and discussed.

I think leaders of nonprofit organizations need to be taught to think strategically. Thinking ahead and bringing people together to work towards common goals is a key skill. This can be taught through examples and case studies.

Leaders of nonprofit organizations need to learn how to be problem solvers. Again, teach this through examples and case studies.

I believe in practical, thoughtful, skill based leadership development. I wish all new leaders could have the benefit of training and support in their first year on the job and periodically throughout their careers. It is a lonely and important job that can affect our society for the great good.

Striking the Right Balance for Your Nonprofit with Management Software

Friday, July 22, 2011

The media fury surrounding the business practices of Central Asia Insitute Executive Director Greg Mortenson shows exactly why passion and ideas alone are not enough to ensure success for a nonprofit. As is the case with for-profit organizations, nonprofits demand thoughtful management of resources and finances. Many organizations do what is necessary and follow a best practices approach to management, but there are still others that do not use all of the tools at their disposal for success. The wake of high-profile scandals like the Mortenson's leave many constituents wondering exactly how and where their donations are being allocated, which is why accountability is more crucial than ever.

There are a number of steps that nonprofits should follow to increase their level of transparency. An easy starting place is identifying the criteria outlined by websites, which offer nonprofit report cards, such as Charity Navigator. Beyond best practices, however, organizations should be prepared to regularly take a hard-nosed look at their core processes and practices. This level of review can help nonprofits determine where they can improve, particularly in areas such as operational performance and financial management.

The area where organizations can really make the most progress is by streamlining their oprations wtih nonprofit management software. The 2010 survey from the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) illustrates that when it comes to technology, many nonprofits fail to adequately plan or utilize the tools at their disposal. In the past, the high price tag of software, for example, might have been a reasonable deterrent to adoption. However, the amount of web-based solutions now available provide a viable, cost-effective alternative to on-premise software.  These software-as-a-service applications are typically offered for a monthly fee, enabling organizations to better manage their technology spending. You can get a sense of what options are available by reading nonprofit software reviews.

When it comes to ongoing accountability, it's important that nonprofits harness all of the tools at their disposal - best practices, strategic oversight, and technology utilization - to ensure they are transparent at every step along the way. With smart planning and good software implementation, nonprofits can create fulfilling relationships with both their financial backers as well as their communities.

You can find more about nonprofit management best practices and software at the Software Advice blog."

David Matthew, ERP Analyst, Software Advice

How Learning Makes Us Feel

Monday, July 18, 2011

How do you feel when you learn something new and interesting?  How does it feel to hear a new idea about how to do something that has challenged you?  How does it feel to be with a community of your peers who are learning new things with you?

I think it makes us feel excited and happy.  Learning makes us smile and gives us a sense of well-being that has a chance of lasting a while.  Learning makes us feel hopeful and it makes us feel competent.  At its best, learning gives us a feeling of inspiration.  It gives us the feeling that maybe we can accomplish just about anything. 

When we use what we learn for the first time all those feelings return.  We feel triumphant.  Once we have mastered something we have learned, it becomes part of who we are.  The thrill and excitement diminish but the feeling of competence stays with us.  In order to keep experiencing those feelings of inspiration and excitement, we have to repeat our moments of learning over and over. 

When we become committed to continuous learning we assure ourselves of repeatable moments of excitement, well-being, happiness, and inspiration.  Why wouldn’t we want to experience this more often?

If you are involved with a not for profit organization, one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your organization is to become committed to learning all you can about best practices and innovative approaches to becoming a great organization.  Learn more, become more, enjoy more.