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Most non-profits are excellent at providing the programs and services they were formed to provide. That is their expertise. Often, organizational management takes a back seat. organizational wellbeing depends upon periodic re-visiting the important issues of governance, management and planning.
Bernhard Solutions is prepared to meet your organization wherever it is in its evolutionary cycle to support its continued growth and success.
Creating a non-profit organization requires considerable thought and preparation. Facilitated meetings with the founding board and initial stakeholders are effective in reaching consensus on mission, goals, programs and services, budget, fundraising plan, staffing and volunteer needs, and public relations. Preparing and filing Initial organizing documents for governance and state and federal tax exempt status are a critical part of this process.
For any organization planning on growth, it’s important to assess the current state of the organization. Working closely with staff, board and other stakeholders, we examine the organizational culture to determine strengths, weaknesses and needs. A plan is designed for improving effectiveness, quality and environment of the organization’s current operation.
A critical aspect of organizational growth and development is creating and implementing a strategic plan. This process involves looking ahead to the short and/or long term future of the organization. By working as a team, goals are set, priorities agreed upon, and strategies and objectives developed. The plan becomes a roadmap or blueprint for the organization as it moves forward.
All organizations want to know that they are providing the programs and services they were formed to provide. Periodically, it’s important to step back and, with the help of an objective third party, evaluate organizational effectiveness. The process provides information necessary to make adjustments to serve more people effectively.
It is important for all organizations to self reflect regardless of the number of years they’ve been in service, the size of their budget, the composition of their board, or their success in providing programs and services. Retreats have substantial impact on board members and staff in reconnecting with the purpose of the organization and their reason for being involved. Retreats are an opportunity for considering sea changes in organizational direction.