No two nonprofit organizations are a like, and yet, they are all alike. They grow from the seeds of someone’s vision, and are passionately pursued without thought as to structure or process. Once the initial need is satisfied these non profits are disolved or allowed to drift into oblivion.
However, the non profits that have a broader mission and more universal appeal (save the whales, conserve energy, keep arts alive) will struggle through infantcy with the founder keeping all the balls in the air.
Non profits evolve organically as they grow from a grass roots need that is most often the passion of the of the founder. But however noble the cause, there comes an inevitable time when the organization, in order to thrive, must embrace solid business principals.
Board development and key committee functions must be designed to be accountable to the mission. Board members must be invited to participate according to the expertise they bring to the board as well as how that expertise matches the needs of the organization, not the whims of the founder.
The Saugus Group offers its non profit experience to those organizations that are ready to take that first step toward implementing appropriate management strategies that will be most effective in achievng sustainability.
Managing growth in any organization is a daunting task, but the grass roots non profit environment adds the additional element of volunteerism to the equation. Until such time as the organization is large and stable enough to pay professional managers who are experienced in the non profit world, it is essential that volunteers accept that they are expected to be accountable for their areas of responsibility.