Building and protecting your agency's reputation in the community may be a nonprofit's best untapped asset in these uncertain economic times. During a recent discussion about the strength of reputation with a former board member, he provided some insight about how important this is in his funding circle. Reputation is an intagible asset that may not be valued until it's lost. I sat up and took note and made a mental inventory of those characteristics of reputation that our board and staff felt were important.
An understanding of the agency's mission and programs - the community may have heard of your agency, but oftentimes there may be confusion about what your agency actually does. Support Kansas City provides business and administrative support services to other nonprofits. It took a number of years for the community to understand how we serve our nonprofit clients and the value we bring to the community.
The people who serve your agency further your reputation in the community. Board and staff are the faces and voices of your agency. Key to reputation success is attracting and retaining quality staff and volunteers that have the skills to deliver on the mission, are loyal and committed to the agency, and understand how they serve the community.
Transparency is the sign of our nonprofit times. More time is demanded of agencies to report at higher levels of scrutiny. Don't let time constraints tempt you to under-report and fail to put your best foot forward. Accurate and timely reporting with clear measurable outcomes only reinforces the good works the agency provides.
The next time you and a board member approach a prospective donor to ask for support, remember you reputation precedes you.
Debra Box
Executive Director
An understanding of the agency's mission and programs - the community may have heard of your agency, but oftentimes there may be confusion about what your agency actually does. Support Kansas City provides business and administrative support services to other nonprofits. It took a number of years for the community to understand how we serve our nonprofit clients and the value we bring to the community.
The people who serve your agency further your reputation in the community. Board and staff are the faces and voices of your agency. Key to reputation success is attracting and retaining quality staff and volunteers that have the skills to deliver on the mission, are loyal and committed to the agency, and understand how they serve the community.
Transparency is the sign of our nonprofit times. More time is demanded of agencies to report at higher levels of scrutiny. Don't let time constraints tempt you to under-report and fail to put your best foot forward. Accurate and timely reporting with clear measurable outcomes only reinforces the good works the agency provides.
The next time you and a board member approach a prospective donor to ask for support, remember you reputation precedes you.
Debra Box
Executive Director
Comments
Post a Comment