RUNNING A NONPROFIT


Operations

A lot goes into running a nonprofit. Our goal is to make it easier by giving you resources that are known to be helpful.

Advocacy

Nonprofits can (and should!) advocate for their mission as a way to achieve their mission. Everyday advocacy is something any nonprofit can engage in – it means that you elevate your voice on topics that matter. Some nonprofits go further and get involved in lobbying. A little information goes a long way when it comes to advocacy.

Start here
▸ Bolder Advocacy
▸ Everyday Advocacy (National Council of Nonprofits)
▸ How to advocate (Idaho Nonprofit Center)
▸ Voter Engagement Guide (Idaho Nonprofit Center)

More advocacy resources
▸ Stand for Your Mission
▸ Nonprofit Advocacy (Independent Sector)
▸ Advocacy resource library (Nonprofit Vote)

Take a course
▸ Advocacy 101 (Idaho Nonprofit Center) 

Compliance

Nonprofits incorporate at the state level. They can then choose to apply for tax-exempt status at the federal level. All local, state, and federal laws apply to nonprofits. This includes worker-related rules, unrelated business income tax rules, etc.

Start here
▸ ​Articles of Incorporation (Idaho Secretary of State)
▸ IRS Charities and Nonprofits (Internal Revenue Service)

More resources on compliance
​▸ Idaho Department of Labor (if you have staff)
▸ Idaho State Tax Commission

Evaluation

Evaluation of programs helps nonprofits learn what works and what can be improved on. When a nonprofit integrates evaluation and assessment into its workflow, it strengthens its learning culture and better achieves its mission.

Start here
▸ ​Program Evaluation (Bridgespan)
▸ Evaluation and Measurement (National Council of Nonprofits)

More evaluation resources
▸ Nonprofit Program Evaluation Made Simple (book by Chari Smith)

Marketing

Nonprofits regularly communicate with their communities. There is significant research that can help inform this communication. A communication strategy can ensure regular, effective messaging to the people who matter to a mission.

Start here
▸ Communication tools for nonprofits (Claxon Marketing) 
▸ Communications plan template (Upleaf) 
▸ ​9 Nonprofit communication best practices that stand out (Network for Good)

More resources on marketing
Once you figure out your message, this list of tools may help determine how to get it out.
▸ The Best Communication Tools for Nonprofits (Internal and External) (Whole Whale)
If you are looking for discounted tools available for nonprofits, TechSoup has options:
▸ Tools for a Great Communications Strategy at Your Nonprofit (Techsoup)
If you find your organization involved in a heated topic, you may need a Crisis Communications Plan
▸Communication among extremists (Lunation)

Risk

When a nonprofit board or staff pays attention to risk, it prioritizes the continuation of its work should a disaster or unexpected event happen. It is a board’s responsibility to assess risk on a regular basis.

Start here
▸ ​Nonprofit Risk Management Center
▸ Risk Alternatives

More risk management resources
▸ “A call for nonprofit risk management” (Ted Bilich)
▸ Risk bow tie (developed by Shell, but clearly explained by Julian Talbot here)

Strategic Planning

A strategic planning process involves reflection on a nonprofit’s mission to identify goals and determine the best ways to achieve them. Strategic planning can be a formal process or a way of approaching challenges and opportunities.

Start here
▸ ​Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (Nonprofit Association of Washington)
▸ Strategic planning for nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)

More resources on strategic planning 
▸ The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution (David LaPiana)
▸ Your Strategy Needs a Strategy (this is a book and an article written by Martin Reeves, Knut Haanes, and Janmejaya Sinha)
▸ Blog, Kevin Bailey, Merger Play-by-Play
​▸ Is your nonprofit in need of additional support? Tom Iselin is president of First Things First, a nonprofit consulting business specializing in board retreats, strategic planning, fundraising, and executive coaching​

Technology

Technology helps nonprofits be more efficient and effective both in their internal operations and their external outreach. There are two main support organizations related to technology and nonprofits.

▸ NTEN
▸ ​TechSoup

Volunteer Management

Many nonprofits involve volunteers to do their work. Volunteers expand an organization’s capacity and provide key ways for community members to contribute to a cause they care about. Having a volunteer management strategy will help streamline the process of engaging volunteers and produce a more enjoyable experience for the volunteer.

Start here
▸ Volunteer Management Guide (501 Commons)

More resources on volunteer management
▸ Serve Idaho (Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism)
▸ Value of Volunteer Time (Independent Sector; updated annually)

Find an Expert

Don’t see what you're interested in? You may find what you're looking for in our Business Affiliate Directory.
​Looking for something more specific? We invite you to take advantage of our nonprofit helpline and contact us.