THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD COMMUNICATION IN NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Lynn M. Wilhelm Professor D. Coggins Industrial Psychology LDR 621 Siena Heights University October 8, 2012

Communication is the ability to share information.

Communication can raise awareness, persuade, build relationships, and helps increase funding.

Interpersonal Communication

Face to face is best…

However… Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Blogging has given nonprofit the opportunity to convey their mission, needs, and results to more people with minimal expense.

Ensure understanding of expectations.

Be specific & relevant… Everyone takes in information differently.

Listen… twice as much as you talk!

How can nonprofit increase effective communications when the mission is the main focus?

Internal Communications

CEO Good communication must start at the top.

Programming Sustain the mission Continuous Training to be cutting edge Development Where is the money coming from?

Finance Finance must be able to communicate effectiveness, accountability, and transparency.

Stakeholder Communication Effective communication with board trustees, community, donors, corporate, government, volunteers, committees and clients is vital to the existence of a nonprofit.

Perception of an organizations Public Image can make or break a nonprofit organization.

Donors invest in a nonprofit. Nonprofit’s must invest in their donors.

Communicate and Connect with the Media

How does the lack of communication impact the success of an organization?

Inaccurate Perception Questioning use of funds Loss of Community Support Loss of Credibility Loss of volunteers Loss of interest in the mission Loss of donors Loss of funding

In conclusion, the Mission may be the purpose for a nonprofit to exist but communication is key to building and maintaining a successful nonprofit organization.

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