Secrets of High Impact Not for Profits

I’ve been reading Forces of Good, by Leslie Crutchfield and Heather McLeod Grant. It’s full of insightful findings on practices that have led several not for profits in the US to boast tremendous results.

Whilst well-known evaluators, such as Charity Navigator, gauge the success of a not for profit solely on its financial health, the authors maintain that this is only part of the equation and that coupling this with the reach of an organization—to its community, to business and government—paints a much clearer picture of its overall impact.

They’ve outlined the following practices as contributors to success:

1. Advocate & Serve
Great programs + policy advocacy.

2. Make markets work
Earned-income ventures + corporate partnerships to leverage corporate power.

3. Inspire evangelists
Volunteers that double-up as committed spokespeople.

4. Build nonprofit networks
Embrace other not for profits.

5. Adapt
Re-evaluate & change tactics to maximize results.

6. Share leadership
Empower others within the organization & your networks of influence.