Silos, Islands, and Lone Wolves: Your Nonprofit’s Biggest Enemies Michael Bellis Executive Director United Way of Charles County, Inc.

Look familiar?

Silo Mentality A mindset present when certain departments or sectors do not wish to share information with others thereby causing a reduction in efficiency, morale, and mission focus.

Sample, Inc. Executive Director Board Staff/Volunteers

Case Study

The Major Donor Debacle MD has primary relationship with ED – is never introduced to DD DD plans Gala event, sees MD as previous high-level donor DD plans appeal and sets up lunch, ED not aware MD confused because she already received note from ED asking for Gala contribution, DD leaves with no gift and tail between legs MD commits for large gift via email to ED, does not tell finance, projections out of whack Gala committee unaware of MD/ED relationship and place her at different table, embarrassing ED The Major Donor Debacle

Other signs of a siloed organization Constituents swamped with emails from different departments Inconsistent branding online vs print vs outreach Information is contained in various spreadsheets, databases, and peoples brains “That volunteer is mine” Frontline employees feel uncomfortable speaking with senior leaders/Board Board members unaware of major organizational decisions Other signs of a siloed organization

Silos are a failure of leadership and require the Board and ED to make major changes

Primary Care Providers Asthma Management Primary Care Providers Community Providers Health Department First Responders Hospital CDC

What causes these islands? Overly inward focused organizations Organizations who neglect to network Poor long-term planning and needs analysis Money centered not client centered Weak partnerships Pride of ownership “We’ve always done it this way” What causes these islands?

Our Philosophy Partnered programs weighted more heavily Rid out duplicative services Establish community priority needs Create opportunities for networking Lead by example

Ways to get involved Calvert, Charles St. Mary’s Continuum of Care Charles County Homeless and Emergency Shelter Committee Homeless Interdisciplinary Care Team UMCRMC Interagency Council Charles County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals of Charles County Charles County Advocacy Council for Children Youth and Families (Local Management Board) Southern Maryland CASH Campaign Vconnections Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Civitan COMREL Military Alliance Council Leadership Sothern Maryland Recovery Court Steering Committee Ways to get involved

The secret to networking

Foundations of Successful Partnerships Clarity of vision, roles, and long-term value/goals Specific metrics to define scope and success Written agreements (MOU/MOA) Ongoing communication Engaging multiple levels throughout work Nonprofit partnerships and for-profit partnerships Foundations of Successful Partnerships

But… Potential drain Don’t be overwhelmed with liabilities Merger/Acquisition But…

Questions?