In the transforming world of corporate philanthropy I’ve been writing about this week, there is an obvious question to be asked. What’s the lesson for non-profit organizations in this new philanthropic reality?
The non-profit organizations which are going to be the most successful in the future are those that have the ability to accomplish these six tasks:
- Create a buttoned-up “Case for Support” that concisely spells out why you deserve support.
- Research which corporations and foundations best match your mission and programs, and put your energies behind developed customized outreach strategies for these companies and individuals, rather than a “blanket ask” to everyone.
- Search out credible advocates who are willing to go to bat for your organization.
- Structure your boards of directors to be appropriately focused on securing private donations as one of their biggest priorities.
- Develop partnerships with other, like-minded non-profits to better serve their constituents, as well as to eliminate duplication of effort.
- Be highly accountable to your corporate donors and put measurement systems in place which allow supporting companies to understand the real impact of how their dollars are being spent.
As a non-profit leader, are you currently working to make these tasks a reality? What challenges are you facing?
