Management Letters
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #45
February 2010
Annual Reports
Dear Friends,
Lately I have received a number of questions on annual reports. I have also received a few in the mailbox from my own favorite charities, ranging from the simple to the elaborate. Not all that many faith communities and secular nonprofits are in the habit of publishing annual reports these days. I still recommend them, however. So this month I share my thoughts on them. As always, I welcome your comments. Write to me anytime at davidnorgard@OD180.com. I hope your year is off to a good start.
Peace,
David
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #44
January 2010
Creativity in Approach: Adapting to Context
Dear Friends,
Last month I started my second round of articles on what I call the five foundation-stones of building organizations. This month, I continue with this second series by returning to the principle of creativity in approach. When I introduced the principle last year, I addressed the question of how to stir creativity. Here I focus on adapting to context.
As I mentioned previously, if you would like a copy of the first set of articles, write to me at davidnorgard@OD180.com and I will be glad to send them to you. As always, I welcome your reflections and comments.
Peace, David
Year-End Reflection on Values
It is December and soon the last page of this year’s calendar will be discarded. For many of us, the passing of the year prompts reflection on what we have accomplished over the past twelve months. If it has been an especially fruitful year, our sentiments may be inclined toward gratitude for what has been and hope for what lies ahead. If this has not been one of our better years but rather one where the challenges we faced weighed us down more heavily than the victories we enjoyed could uplift us, then maybe we move into this time with unease, whether looking backward or forward. In either case, end-of-year reflections naturally tend to lead into new-year musings.
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #43
December 2009
Perseverance
Dear Friends,
Last year, I introduced what I call the five foundation-stones of building organizations. The five core concepts are: 1) courage of commitment; 2) creativity in approach; 3) generosity of spirit; 4) honesty in communication; and 5) steadfastness of purpose. In succession, I described one way that each of these values is lived out: acting boldly in the face of opposition, stirring creativity, expressing gratitude routinely, telling the whole truth and, last but not least, managing for results, not exactitude in process. This month I begin a second round of reflections on the foundation-stones, beginning with that aspect of courage that is most aptly described as perseverance.
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #42
November 2009
Foundational Concepts in Fundraising
Dear Friends,
For many nonprofit organizations, the recession continues, even if it is over technically. I am reminded of this reality by the fact that I have fielded more questions about fundraising this past month than about anything else.
So, this month let me review some important foundational concepts relating to fundraising. I believe these will be especially pertinent and helpful to those organizations that have a one-person development shop or perhaps rely entirely on a combination of external consultants and volunteers.
I always appreciate your comments and questions. Write to me anytime at davidnorgard@OD180.com.
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #41
October 2009
Sayings 2009
Dear Friends,
This month, toward that noble end, I offer here a sampling of sayings that I have found to be worth remembering in leading and managing organizations. Some are original, others are borrowed. All have withstood the test of repeated personal experiment and proven to be of continuing help. I hope at least one of them finds its way into your stock of sound advice.
If you have a word of wisdom to share, I hope you will. Send it to me at davidnorgard@OD180.com and I will include it next month, with appreciative attribution, of course!
Peace, David
OD180 Nonprofit Management Letter #40
September 2009
Constituents... Don't Take Them for Granted
Dear Friends,
Last month, guest contributors from Green Bird Media wrote about how to hire a web designer, a website being one critical component of any organization's constituent relations program today. It sparked some interesting replies about your experiences with websites. One reader's response included some insights which may be helpful to many of you; I include it below.
This month it seems fitting to continue in the same vein and turn to the topic of constituent relations in general. Every organization has constituents, of course, but its relations with them are not always marked by forethought.
OD180 Management Letter #39
August 2009
How to Hire a Web Designer
Dear Friends,
I have written before on the subject of external communications and how important they are both to resource development and general organizational vitality. This is true for any type of organization today - be it a faith community or social service agency. And among modes of communication, a website is of singular importance. Whether an individual is seeking to give to the right organization (most likely online) or checking out a church to visit, having a website that is appealing to view, easy to navigate, interactive in design, and current in content is critical.
OD180 Management Letter #38
June 2009
Steadfastness of Purpose
Dear Friends,
This month I finish my series on the five foundation-stones of organization building. In prior months, I have discussed generosity of spirit, honesty in communication, courage of commitment, and most recently, creativity in approach. You can view these previous articles by going to http://www.od180.com/forum. Today I look at steadfastness of purpose.
Please know that your steadfast readership of this monthly Management Letter is very much appreciated. I welcome your comments and questions anytime. Go to my blog or write to me at davidnorgard@OD180.com.
Peace,
David
OD180 Management Letter #37
May 2009
Comprehensive Development Plans
Dear Friends,
A couple months ago, I addressed the subject of strategic plans. There are two other formal plans which I generally recommend preparing as companion pieces to the overarching strategic plan. One is a board development plan and the other is a comprehensive development plan - the subject of this month's article.
Your own comments and questions are always welcome. Go to "David's Blog" on the OD180 website or send them directly to me at davidnorgard@OD180.com.
Peace,
David
