Is it Time for Some Spring Cleaning of Your Nonprofit’s Programs?

Spring is the time of rebirth and inspiration.  It’s also the time for spring cleaning.  If your not-for-profit’s program lineup has remained unchanged for a couple of years, some of them might be due for replacement.  Consider using the tradition of spring cleaning to review and update your offerings.

Clear out the closets

Many nonprofits keep programs long after they’ve stopped working. Instead of relying on old assumptions about their effectiveness, perform new research. Start by surveying participants, members, donors, employees, volunteers and community leaders about which of your nonprofit’s programs are the most — and least — effective and why.

You may get mixed responses regarding the same program, so consider their source. Employees and volunteers who work directly with program participants are more likely to know if your current efforts are off target than is a donor who attends a fundraising event once a year.

Right tool for the job

If you don’t already have goals for each program, you need to set them. Also put in place an evaluation system with metrics that are strategic, realistic and timely. For example, a charity that provides tutoring to high school students in low-income neighborhoods might measure the program’s success by considering exam and class grades and graduation rates as well as the students’ and teachers’ feedback.

Apply several measures, including subjective ones, before deciding to cut or fund a program. Numerical data might suggest that a program isn’t worth the money spent on it, but those who benefit from the program may be so vocal about its success that eliminating it could harm your reputation.

Shiny and newer

It’s usually easier to identify obsolete programs than to decide on new ones. If one of your programs is clearly ineffective and another is wildly exceeding expectations, the decision to redeploy funds is simple.

Keep in mind that new programs can be variations of old ones, but they must better serve your basic mission, values and goals. Also, no matter how much good programs do, they can’t be successful if they overspend. For every new program, make a tight budget and stick to it. You might want to start small and, if your soft launch gets positive results, simply revise your budget.

It takes a team

Even if it’s clear to you and your staff which programs must go, some stakeholders may object to your proposals. Handle these individuals — particularly donors — with care. Let us know how we can help.

 

How can we help?

  • Should be Empty:
  • Topic Name:

DISCLAIMER: This blog is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant. Presentation of the information in this article does not create nor constitute an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, the evolving landscape surrounding these topics is supported by regulations or guidance that are subject to change.

We Value Your Privacy

This site may use cookies to store information on your computer. Some are essential to make our site work and others to improve the user experience. By using this site, you consent to the placement of these cookies and accept our privacy policy.