Giving Compass' Take:
- Organizations can advance their ongoing impact by focusing on a niche, connection, and communication.
- How can donors support these three practices and bolster nonprofit missions?
- Learn about improving social impact missions for organizations.
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Your organization has a mission, and you want to see it through. But you need tangible resources and support in order to keep making a difference. Your visions of improving your community are long term. So when your organization experiences setbacks in fulfilling its mission, you take it personally.
Witnessing any shortcomings can make it feel like you’ve let everyone down. But by applying long-range strategies, you’ll have a solid plan for making your vision a reality. Below are three ways to maximize your organization’s ongoing impact.
Know your niche.
As an individual, it’s difficult to excel at everything. You’ll also find it challenging to please everyone, often stretching yourself too thin in the attempt. It’s why life coaches and mental health professionals often stress the importance of setting boundaries. You must decide which lanes are near the top of your priority list and pick one—maybe two at the most.
It’s the same way when you’re leading an organization. Knowing your niche sets you apart. You’re telling others what your organization stands for and why they should support you. Will picking a lane draw everyone in? Probably not. But you’ll attract the devoted support you need to sustain your long-term goals.
Connect with your audience.
People tend to get behind causes because of personal interest. And when an organization’s purpose and values match theirs, audiences are more likely to support it. A Harris Poll study found that 82% of consumers want a brand’s values to align with theirs. The adage that "like attracts like" applies here, and the principle holds true for nonprofits as well. An organization’s values communicate its identity, and by associating with that identity, individuals can express who they also believe they are.
To connect with your audience, identify the match between your org’s values and theirs. What would motivate them to get on board? Whether it’s a brand people buy from or a cause they back with donations, the trigger may be intangible.
Communicate the difference you’re making.
Keeping stakeholders in the loop can’t just be an item on your to-do list. Yes, reports to the community may be helpful for organizations that raise funds from donations. But treating these communication opportunities as requirements may alienate stakeholders, eroding the support your organization needs for the future.
Read the full article about making an impact by Gloria Horsley at Forbes.