While it’s hard to believe, 2010 is about ready to come to a close. I have been reviewing a number of articles in various publications and it prompted me to write this article for the benefit of all executive directors of non-profit organizations (NPOs).

Having just looked at some financial statistics for non-profits, it would be hard to imagine any executive director or board member feels good about the overall stability of their organization at this time. While, indeed, it is a sign of the unprecedented economic challenges in the world of non-profits, as we continue to point out at The Center for Ethics, Governance, and Accountability (CEGA), executive directors can position their organizations to stand out as shining stars among their peer groups. If your credibility stands out, we firmly believe you will have a competitive advantage in your fundraising efforts.

As I pondered what actions executive directors should take in the final three weeks of the year, the following is my top ten list:

1.    Be sure to communicate with your donors. Thank them for supporting you during these challenging economic times. Be specific about this.

2.    Take the opportunity to also communicate with all of your stakeholders. Speak directly as to how your organization has worked to improve its overall operations and your views on ethics, governance, and accountability. Also, of course, discuss your programming plans.

3.    Begin preparations for your first board meeting of the New Year. Update your ethics and/or conflict of interest policy and make sure it is an agenda item for the board meeting.

4.    Spend a few minutes, preferably one-on-one, with every staff member and speak directly about the future of the organization. Let them know you appreciate them. Realize that it is normal for staffers to be concerned about their future, especially in the current climate for non-profit organizations (NPOs).

5.    Review your grant applications for 2010. Select three grants that you did NOT receive. Call the executive director of the grantor organization, wish them a happy holiday season, and speak directly about the plans you have for the New Year. This will pave the way for a new grant application in 2011. There is no better time than the holiday season to reach out to those big grantors.

6.    Be mindful of your accountability as the executive director. Take your board chair to lunch and have a frank discussion about the outlook for the New Year. The holiday season is a good time to connect and executive directors should be very proactive in seeking some quality time with board members to just visit about the future.

7.    The governance of the organization, namely the board, needs to be reviewed. While the officers of the board should oversee the governance issues to make sure the board is in compliance, the executive director should conduct his or her own review and be prepared to guide and lead. Are there any vacancies? Are terms expiring? Is there an active recruitment effort to fill positions on the board? Have potential conflicts of interest been reviewed?

8.    Also, associated with your accountability as executive director, make sure that all required filings are up to date and that you have marked the due dates on your calendar for the New Year. Now is a good time to take a look at your calendar for the next twelve months and outline your plans for key events BEFORE the year gets started.

9.    Make a specific effort to get out and around your community during the holiday season. Demonstrate through your actions (a smile, a handshake, a conversation, and simply the manner in which you dress and carry yourself) that you feel positive and upbeat about the New Year. Remember that people everywhere are looking for hope and good news. Share yours!

10. Finally, spend some quiet time in your office and review the past year. How have YOU performed? Do you have measurable goals? If so, review them and see if you have made progress. What are your key goals for the New Year (not resolutions!) and how do you plan to perform them? Be honest with yourself about your performance and use the holiday season to recharge and prepare for a strong start in 2011.

I continue to challenge you, as an executive director, to focus on issues of ethics, governance, and accountability. There have been plenty of examples where non-profits veered off course during 2010 and you need to acknowledge that fact, but reaffirm your dedication to being the top among your peer group when it comes to the things that really matter in your overall organizational operations.

Prepare for a better 2011. Hit the ground running!