2. They Are Focused On Their Mission, Always

Successful nonprofit organizations are constantly communicating their mission. This can be through a formal mission statement prominently displayed on a website and printed materials or the informal “elevator pitch” that an employee can use when asked to describe what the organization does.

What does a mission-driven 501c3 look like? In successful nonprofit organizations, the mission, values, and purpose are more than words on a brochure or website– they’re embraced every day by an organization’s employees, volunteers, and donors. When the mission is part of organizational culture, everyone understands how they contribute to the organization’s long-term goals.

3. They Develop Diverse Funding Sources

A nonprofit is not so different from a business enterprise! Both need a steady stream of revenue to exist. Successful nonprofits tap into numerous funding sources: fundraising individual donations, applying for government and foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, selling membership plans, goods, services, and more. Typically, it’s best practice for a nonprofit to limit a single income source category to no more than 30 percent of their total revenue stream. This kind of balanced income source portfolio is helpful because if a single source of income became unavailable, the nonprofit could quickly restructure and continue to survive.

Regardless of where the funds come from, successful nonprofit organizations excel with donor communications. Whether it’s individuals, a foundation, or a corporation, keeping your supporters informed of your progress and accomplishments is exceptionally valuable.

4. They Inspire Others

Nonprofit organizations can mobilize people to take action to support their cause. This includes people working in government agencies, the business sector, other nonprofit agencies, and the public. Inspiring people to take action results from having consistent marketing and communications plans that tell the stories of your nonprofit and the people you serve.

What does an inspiring 501c3 look like? Successful nonprofit organizations become inspiring when their work encompasses many people throughout their communities. Nonprofits of this nature can create large-scale social movements, influence laws, and policies, and create meaningful dialogue that has the power to change attitudes and behaviors.

5. They Continuously Improve

Always embrace continuous quality improvement (CQI). One of the first principles of CQI is taking time to listen to your organization’s stakeholders (board, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries) and routinely solicit feedback. But it doesn’t stop at listening; the real transformational work begins when positive and negative feedback is used to strengthen and improve the organization.

Nonprofit organizations that become adept at leveraging CQI to collect data can more effectively enhance their programs and services. Establishing a culture of feedback creates an open, positive organization where all stakeholders feel their voices are listened to and valued.

Find Success in Your 501c3 Nonprofit with BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions

Whether you’re a seasoned nonprofit administrator or boot-strapping your first nonprofit startup, BryteBridge can help with every aspect of launching, sustaining, and growing your organization. Our experienced consultants can advise you on everything from marketing and communications to websites and digital technologies, payroll and tax accounting, human resources, and insurance. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of 501c3 organizations become successful nonprofits and enjoy long-lasting support and involvement in the communities they serve.

We look forward to hearing from you!