Albert Einstein, the readily-recognized and noted intellectual, is oft-quoted. A recent Einstein attribution made me think of the untapped opportunities available to all Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs):

            “In the middle of every difficulty lies an opportunity.”   Albert Einstein

How timely. How true. But, how does an NPO take action? And, get results?

How many NPOs are missing the opportunity of a lifetime? Concerned about the current economic conditions? Worried about the new IRS regulations for NPOs? As an Executive Director, are you looking for the right synergy on your Board? As a Board member, are you looking for the right Executive Director to energize the organization and move it forward? As a Donor, are you looking for the right NPO to make your contributions?

Our articles generally cover 3 areas of emphasis for Non-Profits: “HELP” (a general discussion of issues at the macro/organizational level); “STRATEGIES” (direct guidance on issues at the micro/operational level); and “REALITIES” (specific suggestions at the action/application level).

This article launches our first in the “REALITIES” series, so we will endeavor to make it brief but useful.

Let’s dissect what Einstein says. First, if you are in the ‘middle’ then your NPO already exists? Second, if you have a ‘difficultly’ then you must have identified challenging issues? Third, if you seek an ‘opportunity’ then you must be committed to action?

Remember: (1) negative presumptions bring about negative realities; (2) all assumptions guide your perceptions about outcomes. So, without being consciously aware, you can doom your best intentions for failure – right from your initial thoughts. IF you do not already believe this to be true – and, IF you have not already experienced it – then I would ask that you simply accept it as true because many/most of your peers already know it is true.

As a starting point for any ‘realistic’ outcome for your NPO, your chosen action must be positively conceived and executed. If it begins in ANY other way (i.e. negative, unsure, wishy-washy and questionable by board or staff) it WILL deliver less than desirable results. Again, if you do not already know this to be true, do yourself a big favor and accept the painful experience being shared with you.

Just thinking positive does not a successful project make, albeit a philosophical prerequisite. Although a good subject for another article, there is growing belief that ‘technology’ is impeding our ability to communicate and that the ‘art of strategizing’ is becoming extinct. While this is a frightening thought, your NPO does not have to succumb to this ‘negative’ prediction!

Let’s get specific: Fundraising.

We are in the Fall season of the calendar year – approaching the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons – and end-of-year funding decisions are on the minds of literally thousands of foundation boards of directors and millions of individual donors. How will your NPO emerge?

Well, to be specific, let’s use the industry-termed “Fall Appeal Letter to Donors” – this is that ‘pre-end-of-year’ reminder that your NPO needs financial support from, supposedly, your ongoing fans and supporters. (i.e. a very different appeal from a first-time grant application to a foundation) What should you say in your letter? You know that your donors are receiving similar multiple requests – even downright pleas – from your competitor NPOs – so how do you do you set yourself apart?

We suggest your NPO take simple, straight-forward steps to be distinguishable from peers/competitors. If you research the IRS regulations NPOs – and – the foundational principles of our Center for Ethics, Governance, and Accountability (CEGA), you will find the expectations of all NPOs are, understandably, very high. It is the lack thereof that is leading to the exposure of so many national-level NPOs that are in violation of these regulations/expectations. At the very least – and, this is SPECIFICALLY important – you should be able to tout that your NPO has met and/or exceeded all IRS regulations.

We believe that donors are no less charitable than they have ever been, despite these arguably uniquely challenging economic times. However, we also believe that donors require assurance that the NPOs they support have either already achieved excellence or they are on a deliberate path toward excellence. If you follow IRS regs (and CEGA beliefs) then you cannot go astray as you differentiate your NPO from the competition.

So, write that Fall letter – with confidence – to your strongest donor base.

Don’t hesitate to point out that your organization is actively engaged in closely following the challenges of the NPO industry and that you have adopted a plan of action to achieve certification excellence as a fully compliant NPO. If you need assistance, we are here to help. But, the primary point is to distinguish your NPO from your peer/competitor organizations during this ‘end-of-the-year’ donor request blitz.

Let’s be even more specific.

Take a look at your ‘standard’ letter of request. What about it stands out as special? Probably nothing? If you are communicating with your tried-and-true donor base, how many times have they seen your letterhead with your handwritten notation requesting their support?

Give some thought as to how to ‘shake that up’ just a bit.

It could be as simple as an pre-mailing (post card?) ‘teaser’ that serves as a preview of coming attractions (i.e. your Letter). Jazz it up. Make it special. If you have a new initiative, by all means announce it. But, our strong recommendation is that you focus on your commitment to distinguish yourself by the pursuit of excellence in all things regulatory during this time where too many NPOs have lost their way.

 Accentuate your positives.

Being on the right side of compliance issues with the IRS is always a winner. We believe this approach demonstrates your NPO is fully committed to excellence. And, let’s face it, excellence is a national craving at this point in time!

Share your feedback. Working in team, we believe the Non-Profit Sector holds great potential for identifying, pursuing, and solving the problems of our nation.

Join the discussion.