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Develop a Successful
Non-Profit Organization
Non-profit organizations deliver many key
social services and seek to identify and solve social problems. In
fields such as health, education, economic development and social
welfare, the non-profit sector does much to make this world a
better place.
Non-profit organizations need to know at least two things: 1) what
their community (their market) needs, and 2) what is required to
be a successful organization. A Strategic Business Plan can help
in both of these areas.
A Strategic Business Plan is the “dream” that the organization
hopes to accomplish. In most instances, the vision is developed as
an extension of the Mission Statement and serves as the basis for
the organization’s goals. The key to developing a successful
non-profit organization is its Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors of a non-profit organization is critical to
the success of the organization and has many important
responsibilities. Inherent in the Board’s governance role are two
functions: first, protect the public’s interest, and second,
enable the Organization to achieve its purpose. To do these, Board
members must:
- determine the organization’s
mission and purpose
- select effective leadership
- ensure effective planning
- ensure adequate resources
- manage the application of
these resources
- monitor and strengthen the
organization’s programs and services
- enhance the organization’s
public image
- ensure legal and ethical
integrity
- recruit and orient new Board
members
Planning is the key to success for any venture
including a non-profit organization. Whether your organization
revises a prior year's plan, uses the plan of a similar
organization as a guide, or simply starts from scratch, it must
create both a Strategic Plan and a Business Plan. SCORE has
qualified counselors to work with and train the Board of Directors
and facilitate the development and implementation of the necessary
plans. Seek SCORE Counseling at “Request
for Counseling”.
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