Achieving Results: Success Strategies for Nonprofit Management

By Roselyn L. O'Brien

Successful fundraising is the end result of doing many things well in an organization. It is not the beginning from which all other things follow. This step by step journey shows how to achieve improved results – including fostering a work environment that brings out the best possible performance – as learned from the author’s

• Language: English
• Publisher: Achieving Results LLC
• Release date: Jun 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781949150636

Book preview

IN MEMORIAM

Maternal Grandparents

Edith Grintner Knight (1913 – 1977)

and

Stewart S. Knight (1909 – 1965)

Paternal Grandparents

Marguerite Murphy Nagle (1915 – 1985)

and

John D. Nagle (1910 – 1994)

DEDICATION

My Son & His Wife

Timothy M. Warner

and

Diana Gamez Warner

My Granddaughters

Catalina Warner

and

Emilia Warner

CONTENTS

A Message from the Author

Introduction

1 | Fundraising

2 | Administration, Finance & Operations

3 | Staff & Volunteer Development

4 | Programs & Services

5 | Communications & Marketing

6 | Public Affairs

7 | Assessment & Planning Instructions & Forms

8 | Creating a Climate for Success

9 | Lessons Learned

10 | Conclusion

A Message from the Author

An avid reader since childhood, I was once moved by a quote from Mark Twain, The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. The day I was born, two months prematurely, changed the life of all those responsible for my care. My parents were young and ill-matched but tried their best to stay together and raise a family. My maternal and paternal grandparents welcomed the unplanned arrival of their first grandchild. Long since passed, I still feel their guidance and protection during times of indecision and uncertainty. I also feel their pride during times of accomplish-ment and celebration.

The oldest of four children, I often felt more of a parent than a child. While it was not an easy upbringing, it is my upbringing that I credit with my core values and work ethic. Given the family finances, or lack thereof, I knew at an early age that good grades and education were key to the future I imagined. School was an escape from a chaotic home environment. Five years of French class and destinations described in books inspired my desire to travel. English class fueled my love of the written word. Working on the yearbook and being editor of the high school newspaper made me think that perhaps I could be the next Barbara Walters. Being a majorette gave me confidence. But, it was the semesters studying psychology and sociology that propelled me forward to major in social work in college.

It was early in my social work career that I was given the opportunity to serve as executive director of a single county unit of the American Cancer Society in upstate New York. After that, I never returned to a traditional role in social work. Nonprofit management offered everything I could possibly need or want. Deep inside, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others – not unlike the difference my grandparents made in my life. Without question, in nonprofit work, I found my purpose in life.

I have always felt grateful to have found my passion early in life. So many wonder about it; I have always known it. I’ve known it because my grandparents loved me unconditionally and believed in me. They encouraged me to set goals and dream big. They taught me to help others less fortunate, to strive to be kind and caring. They taught me to not be afraid of taking risks because we learn the most from our mistakes.

There are days I still long for my maternal grandfather who walked me to and from kindergarten and who made me lunches of pea soup and brown bread. My maternal grandmother taught me how to sew and was organized and meticulous in every way. I still miss her candy dish filled with spiced gum drops.

My paternal grandparents drove me from a small town in upstate New York to college on Long Island. I remember my grandfather carried all my worldly possessions up several flights of stairs, helping me get settled into the dormitory. A man of few words, he cried as he said goodbye and told me he was proud of me. My grandmother slipped me a $20.00 bill, a fortune in those days.

During my career, I’ve been very fortunate to have served in progressive local, statewide, regional, and national positions within three of the leading nonprofit organizations. I thank the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and American Diabetes Association for outstanding training and a wide range of experiences.

As an independent contractor for the past 15 years, I’ve provided development consulting and coaching services to a wide range of nonprofit voluntary health organizations, membership associations, religious groups, colleges and universities, and corporations seeking to benefit worthwhile causes. I’ve learned from all of them, especially those organizations requiring turnaround performance and individuals experiencing personal and professional transitions. They too, have contributed to the writing of this book. And, I am grateful to all – too numerous to mention.

In writing this book, I’ve remembered my grandparents and the difference they made in my life. I’ve reflected on my many years in nonprofit management in hopes that it will help you and your organization make a difference in the lives of others. When you do, you will enrich your own life beyond words.

You’ll learn that it’s the relationships with staff, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and donors that matter the most. Cultivating and stewarding these relationships are essential to growing and sustaining any organization with a meaningful mission. Once accomplished, the true essence of a leader is revealed – the ability to Achieve Results.

Wishing you happiness and