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

2. Look familiar?

3. 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.

4. Sample, Inc.
Executive Director
Board
Staff/Volunteers

5. Case Study

6. 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 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

7. Other signs of a siloed organization
Constituents swamped with s 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

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

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

11. 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?

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

13. 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

14. The secret to networking

15. 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

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

17. Questions?