Many people think that running a nonprofit organization is a breeze. All you have to do is find a way to get some money and donate it, right? Wrong. Fundraising is only one aspect of running a nonprofit organization. Nonprofits focus on finding ways to help the overall community, therefore running a nonprofit may be slightly different than running a for profit business. Running a nonprofit requires a lot of critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to deal with problems and sudden changes. Here are your top tips for running a nonprofit organization.

1. Hire People with Passion 

One of the most important aspects of running a nonprofit is teamwork. It is impossible to run an organization without people who can use their skills and abilities to contribute to the organization. It’s also important to look for people who are passionate about your organization. People that care will help make a difference in your organization which will effectively make a difference in your community.

2. Keep Records of Everything

Keeping record of all the incoming and outgoing financial flows is critical to nonprofit, especially when it comes to filing your taxes. Nonprofits have specific guidelines and exemptions when it comes to filing taxes, so it is critical to keep track of every penny spent or credited to your account. It’s important to have someone in charge of record keeping within your organization.

3. Organization Skills

A big part of running a nonprofit organization is actually staying organized. Nonprofits require a lot of planning and time-management, therefore it is essential to practice your organization skills. Planning is another aspect of running the organization therefore it is critical to know all the details of your organization. Reading books, such as 7 Habits of Highly Effective People can help you get started with organizing your thoughts so that you can apply those skills within your organization.

4. Define Your Goals and Objectives

Establishing and understanding your goals and objectives is critical for the success of your nonprofit. It’s a good idea to have weekly or monthly meetings with you team to see where you are in reaching those goals and objectives. Leadership skills are very important in initiate your organization to work towards the same goals and objectives as a team.

5. Establish Relationships

A large part of nonprofit success is dependent on networking. It’s important to establish relationships with the community and donors because funding and resources can be very scarce. Getting the word out about your organization and how it makes a difference will help establish meaningful relationships that can help make a difference in the future.