Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Lesson 1

What Is a Nonprofit?

In this lesson, you'll learn some basic nonprofit terminology and the purpose of a nonprofit organization. You'll understand what the product of a nonprofit is, how it differs from a for-profit business, and its economic impact on the community where it resides. You will learn why the bottom line of a nonprofit is judged differently from a for-profit business, and what this means to you as a nonprofit manager.

Planning Documents

In this lesson, you'll learn why it's just not enough to have an idea for change and a knack for gathering supporters. This lesson will show you how to ensure your organization's success through careful planning. You'll learn how your mission statement guides your nonprofit, what a strategic plan is, and why every nonprofit needs one.

Structure and Leadership

This lesson will give you a clear idea of what life is like inside a nonprofit. When you finish with this lesson, you'll feel like you've been to an open house … and found out which room is yours! You'll also learn who governs and manages the nonprofit. You'll view a turf chart, which will help you understand the entire leadership issue in a clean, concise format.

Staffing and the Role of the Executive Director

This lesson paints a grand picture of the nonprofit workforce. You'll learn what the executive director does and why this position is key to the overall wellbeing of a successful nonprofit. You'll learn why the executive director (ED) makes such high demands on the staff, and why the standards for quality performance are an integral part of the workplace.

The Board of Directors

This lesson is a fascinating study about group dynamics and the role that the board of directors plays in nonprofit governance. They are the few chosen from the many who take on the principal responsibility for fulfillment of the organization's mission and the legal accountability for its operations. Governing boards are receiving more attention than ever before, so this chapter is as timely as it is informative.

Volunteers and Committees

Volunteers are often referred to as the heart of a nonprofit, with committees being the backbone—one supports the other. Whatever you want to call the relationship, the fact is that a nonprofit needs both groups working in harmony to be successful. In this lesson, you'll learn how to attract and retain volunteers. You'll understand the real purpose of committees and how to make each one worth its weight in gold.

Managing and Organizing Meetings

In this lesson, you'll learn how to improve your meeting management skills. You'll learn about when a meeting is necessary, how to decide what type of meeting your organization needs, and how to figure out how much it actually costs to hold a meeting. This chapter is a real eye-opener that will help you put meeting planning into the right perspective.

Membership, Benefits and Services

This lesson will help you understand why delivering relevant benefits and services can enhance your organization's reputation by meeting or exceeding members' expectations. A strong membership program results in delighted, satisfied members, and it boosts your image as a successful manager.

Financial Aspects

In this lesson, you'll learn why financial management is one of the most important practices in nonprofit management. You'll understand how the budget empowers you to protect your membership, and how it actually serves as the ultimate referee in times of financial conflict.

Special Event Management

In this lesson, you'll explore the world of special event management. The escalation of appeals for money is leading to donor fatigue. Loyal donors are saying "enough already!" and potential donors are now examining organizations carefully to see which ones are willing to earn their support. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to plan and execute a special event that will boost your agency's income and community awareness. You'll make your mark from the beginning and be an invaluable resource for any nonprofit you choose to work with.

Delivering Your Message

Every nonprofit needs to enhance its image, increase member participation, energize supporters and publicize its fundraisers through a carefully orchestrated public relations (PR) program. In this lesson, you'll look at the public relations tools and techniques that nonprofit professionals use to successfully get the word out about their organization.

Finding Your Place in the Nonprofit Sector

In this last lesson, you'll get into the nitty-gritty of searching for just the right nonprofit job for you. You'll learn some of the best ways to find a job in the nonprofit sector, including some tips on how to write an effective resume. You'll also learn how to prepare a personal case statement, and why the 20-second rule can make the difference between landing an interview or having your resume land in the trash bin.