5 Essential Leadership Tips for Small Nonprofits

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Running a nonprofit is undoubtedly challenging. With government grants and donations drying up in a tighter economy, you may face revenue generation challenges. Finding good and reliable staff and volunteers may also be difficult, with many contributing their services only part-time, and others departing for better pay.

Staying motivated can also be hard. Many nonprofit leaders overcompensate for staff and revenue shortages by working extra hours, resulting in fatigue and other issues. Finally, being unable to help everyone in the community can also feel demoralizing.

Despite these challenges, many small nonprofits survive and thrive thanks to excellent leadership. Here are some essential leadership tips for small nonprofits:

#1 Look After Your Well-being

Nonprofit leaders often play a pivotal role in the organization. That’s why they must look after their well-being. A leader works best when in optimal condition. That’s why the first of our leadership tips is to remember to eat meals regularly, shower, exercise, and sleep at least six hours daily. A tired or cranky leader can be counterproductive in any organization.

SEE ALSO: 10 Ways to Encourage Nonprofit Supporters to Become Fundraisers

#2 Adopt Technology

Instead of using outdated, inefficient, and unsecured technology like spreadsheets, switch to a modern solution. For example, if you run a small transitional housing nonprofit, consider using a constituent relationship management (CRM) system to enhance your workflow, and productivity and make life a little easier.

The Sumac transitional housing software is an excellent instance of CRM technology that helps you accelerate your impact by streamlining your processes and creating efficiencies in client care and service delivery.

In addition to using CRM for nonprofits, consider using modern accounting software, social media tools, and other productivity software that reduces your organization’s workload and allows you to concentrate on your missing statement.

#3 Keep Everyone Motivated

Small nonprofits look to leadership for motivation, especially during challenging times. Our next leadership tip is to learn innovative ways to motivate your staff and volunteers by sharing your vision and setting clear goals.

Don’t be afraid to reward staff and volunteers with positive feedback as well as perks, gifts, and other monetary rewards.

Holding regular team-building exercises will also help new volunteers and staff feel comfortable in your organization. Giving them a chance to bond can lead to a healthier environment.

Many young people join nonprofits to beef up their resumes. So, give your team opportunities such as on-the-job experience, recommendation letters, and even nonprofit courses.

SEE ALSO: Top Examples of Executive Diversity Initiatives for Business Leaders to Follow

#4 Empower Your Teams

Try to delegate responsibilities to key team members to empower staff and reduce your workload. Let another member of your staff host a team meeting instead of yourself. Take the opportunity to listen and observe. And please give experienced staff members space to shine, as micromanaging can kill motivation.

 #5 Strengthen Office Environment

As a small nonprofit, you may not have a large budget. But you don’t have to break the bank to make the office environment healthier. The last of our leadership tips is to Invest in small amenities like a coffee machine, air filter, and healthy snacks. Encourage your team to keep the space clean and free of excess noise.

In addition to these tips, learn from your own nonprofit role models. Don’t be afraid to reach out to more senior nonprofit leaders for advice and tips over coffee. Seek inspiration, but ultimately, you must find your own style of nonprofit leadership.