- Successful nonprofits are agile
Agile nonprofits are those focused on the delivery of results in self-managed teams. In those teams, there is no hierarchy like the traditional models of management. However, there is a high focus on transparency and frequent, short conversations—the agile approach to nonprofit management advocates for immediate feedback instead of long meetings. Instead of following a laid-out yearly plan, agile nonprofits respond to change. In the face of a fast-changing nonprofit landscape and risks that arise faster than ever, the agile approach can help learn and adapt first. Nonprofits that can learn and adapt first in today's environment are the ones that succeed.
- They are always focused on their mission
The mission of an organization's mission informs the reason for its existence, where it is and where it is going. Therefore, a successful nonprofit is always focused on its mission despite the challenges that may come up. They depend on their mission daily to inform what it needs to do or achieve. A proper nonprofit clearly articulates its mission statement and shares it with donors and volunteers. Successful nonprofits always share their goals with all stakeholders and get them on board. This makes them understand what is required of them to reach their goals.
- They are donor-centric
For a nonprofit to be successful, donors have to be respected, and everything has to revolve around them. Therefore, successful nonprofits understand donors and are always ready to listen to them. They focus on the donors rather than their wallets. Until a nonprofit truly understand that donors are the main drivers of their operations and mission, it won't be easy to perform their tasks appropriately. A truly donors-centric nonprofit does not focus on "me." Rather, they concentrate on communicating with them how they (donors) made things happen. They show donors how their contributions contributed to the success and a difference.
- They find diverse funding sources
Charitable organizations differ from for-profits in many ways. Although their work focuses on social change and not profits, they still need money to push their campaigns and address problems in society. Therefore, they need various funding sources. For this reason, they need to develop various funding sources to ensure that they can fund their activities at all times. Successful nonprofits stay in check of their finances and their mission all through.
- They are good mobilizers
Successful nonprofit leaders know how to mobilize and inspire people. They know how to get the best from their staff, volunteers and donors. They often come up with creative ways of engaging these people and getting the best out of them. Successful nonprofits engage all stakeholders and manage to connect them to their mission, vision and core values. Furthermore, they do their best to build sustainable and long-term relationships with donors, volunteers, staff and establish strong communities.
