Fundraising tends to get emphasized when we talk about impact in nonprofit and undoubtably raising money is crucial to the success of any organization, but here’s something you hear less - it’s only one piece of the puzzle. It’s a tool. It’s an avenue. Obviously fundraising will always be a key factor in making all organizations possible, but as you aim to move your mission forward if your only focus is raising more money, you’re missing the big picture.
Effectiveness is not measured in dollars. FACT - there are organizations with annual operating budgets below $500,000 that are more effective than others with multi million dollar budgets. Even in growth the final measure is not how much money you raise. Your effectiveness and growth will always be defined by your impact.
The path to being more effective, experiencing more growth, and creating more impact starts with asking yourself, staff, and board the right questions, big questions.
What does your organization do better than anyone else? How can you improve?
Coming from a place of abundance, you have all the resources in the world, no limits - what do you with it?
What is the headline you’d most like to read about your mission in 3 years, in 5 years\