Key Characteristics of Successful, Sustainable and Impactful Nonprofits National Military Spouse Network Summit October 21, 2017 Presented by Renette Oklewicz

Key Characteristics High quality, valued and impactful programs Energetic, visionary executive director Diverse, engaged, and talented fundraising board with focus on stewardship Competent, experienced and motivated staff Diverse, sufficient and sustainable fundraising plan Well-managed organizational and financial structure Results focused from top to bottom Alliances, collaborations and partnerships Excellent reputation in the community

Effective Model of Services Define and determine the need Test your hypothesis Explore effective models Others providing similar services nearby Understand clearly what works Create a successful model Population, need and intervention Funding and staffing plan Work plan with measurable outcomes Seek collaborations/partnerships

Organizational Leadership High energy, passionate leader with excellent communication, organizational and relationship-building skills Clear vision for success with a focus on solutions and engaging partners Results oriented with a relentless need for achievement Leads a team-centered, learning organization Executive director is key to attracting staff, board, funders and partners Succession planning

Board of Directors Attract diverse, talented and engaged board willing to raise funding Members bring expertise valuable to the organization Valuable community and business network Embrace their fundraising role See stewardship and fiduciary responsibility as their priority Strong board and executive director partnership – open and honest communication Clear roles and responsibilities Building an effective board takes time

Staffing Resourceful, compassionate and skilled staff focused on results Effective at engaging and motivating clients Act as ambassadors to the organization Willing to work in a team environment Contribute to a culture of learning Manage a reasonable workload Receive appropriate supervision, training and professional development

Diverse Fundraising Plan Foundation and government grants Foundation Center GrantWatch.com www.grants.gov (federal) Other nonprofits doing similar work Corporate and business funding Board relationships Strategic partnerships Volunteers Individual donors – most sustainable source Relationships are critical to raising and sustaining funding

Robust Marketing Plan Website Social media Brochures, annual report, newsletters Build community awareness Join nonprofit networks Meet with community leaders Develop relationships with the media Board, staff, and volunteers are advocates Events promote awareness

Organizational Structure Staff and board roles and responsibilities Performance management system Policies and procedures Financial planning, reporting and oversight Annual audit

Results Focused Funding Words Outcome Thinking Accountability Performance Compliance Success Monitoring Supporting Reports Information Use Evaluation Learning

Outcomes-Based Programs Why measure outcomes/human gain? Competitive advantage Increases performance Provides clear road map for staff Improves quality control and allows for in- time program adjustments Outcome framework sets targets, project steps, milestones and deadlines for each outcome.

Outcomes Based Programs Targets: The number (not percentages) of clients you are committed to help achieve a specific level of gain. Be reasonable. Project Steps: What you will do to reach each target and what the client must gain from each step. Milestones: Key achievements that will best show participant progress in getting to the gain you have targeted and the date to reach each milestone. Verification: Provides evidence or other information you will use to define success for each of your targets.

Example: One Year Target: Of the 62 people in our shelter, 50 will move to permanent housing by September 2017. Project Step: 25 landlords will agree to accept 20 clients by December 2016. Milestone: 25 people are moved to permanent housing by March 2107. Verification: Tenant leases signed

Resources Organizational Effectiveness and Fundraising Foundation Center Center for Nonprofit Advancement Maryland Nonprofits National Council of Nonprofits GrantWatch Board Development BoardSource Leap of Reason Nonprofit Management Certificate Programs Georgetown University George Mason University