In nonprofit organizations, where resources are often limited and projects aim to address pressing societal issues, efficient management is critical. To ensure that projects run smoothly, meet their objectives, and stay within budget, many nonprofits are turning to Program Management Information Systems (PMIS). PMIS offers a range of tools and features designed to support project managers by streamlining processes, improving resource management, and enhancing transparency. Here’s how PMIS can drive effective project management and ensure better outcomes for nonprofits.

Real-time data access and decision-making

One of the biggest challenges in nonprofit project management is making timely, informed decisions. With PMIS, project managers can access real-time data on project progress, budgets, and resources. This instant access allows managers to assess whether the project is on track or requires adjustments. Having real-time insights into metrics like funds spent, deliverables achieved, or timelines helps managers make quick, informed choices that keep projects aligned with their goals.

For example, in a project aimed at providing educational resources to underserved communities…

Navigating the financial landscape within nonprofits is often challenging, especially when ensuring staff members' well-being. As organizations strive to fulfill their missions, they must also address the financial strain experienced by their employees. This post explores strategies nonprofits can implement to support their staff members and effectively alleviate financial stress.

Understanding the challenges

Nonprofit workers are renowned for their dedication and passion for their jobs. However, this commitment can sometimes place them in financially precarious situations. Financial stress has a significant impact on employees' mental health and job satisfaction, affecting their overall well-being and productivity. Limited budgets within the nonprofit sector exacerbate these challenges, adding pressure on organizations to meet their employees' financial needs.

Strategies for alleviating financial strain

Fair and Competitive Compensation: Nonprofits must prioritize fair and competitive employee compensation. Conducting regular salary benchmarking and offering non-monetary rewards can help retain staff and boost morale.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work schedules or remote work…

Nonprofit organizations provide services that are valuable and relied upon by communities. Leadership, represented by the board and executives, is ultimately responsible for nonprofit governance. In the absence of proper oversight and accountability, an organization is not able to consistently provide the support and services to the community for which it was founded. So how do boards and executives work together effectively to achieve the best possible results? In short, by living the mantra coined by John C. Maxwell, “teamwork makes the dream work”. While the cliché rings true, it’s necessary to take a deeper look at the dynamics at play and how nonprofits can best position themselves to promote cohesive leadership.

Board-executive role confusion and conflict is well documented in nonprofit governance research. When conflict arises, the organization and those served by the nonprofit suffer. When conflict is not addressed, it can lead to the turnover of executives and/or board members. The board relies on information from the executive(s) concerning staff management and daily operations. When there is inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent information, the leadership is not able to properly assess and act. With deliberate planning, policies, and procedures such instances of conflict…

Retirees aged 65 and older have been the backbone of the volunteer population for years. According to AmeriCorps, in 2023, approximately 41 million retired older adults volunteered with nonprofit organizations nationwide. However, we are seeing fewer individuals retire each year due to financial hardships and the rise in the retirement age. There is a higher rate of retirees leaving the volunteer population than new retirees coming in to replace them, making this gap within the volunteerism pool broader and more expansive. This post will help you to understand how to hold on to your valuable retiree volunteers and who else we can look to to fill this gap in the volunteer pool.

The root of it all: why retirees volunteer 

Volunteerism is a great way for retirees to mingle outside their social circles. After retirement, many individuals look to volunteerism as a way to continue routine and structure in their everyday lives. Not only does volunteering benefit the community, but it also provides health benefits to this population's cognitive and social well-being. Doctors have even prescribed volunteering to patients to boost their mood and mental health. 

Retiree volunteer retention

It is vital to meet the needs of the retired volunteers who are already donating their time to your organization. Retirees want to give their time and talents to a cause they care about without being locked into a long-term commitment. These…

Policies are necessary in any company or organization and can benefit a nonprofit organization. Establishing a donor policy is imperative if any portion of the organization's funding comes directly from donors. It needs to justify administrative costs, clarify controversial donations, and explain which data from evaluations is helpful towards the mission. To ensure the trust of the public and its clients, the organization needs to incorporate this information into a transparent and effective policy.

Importance of evaluations

Donors demanded more organizational accountability after several scandals rocked the nonprofit world in the 1990s. Between the president of the United Way deceiving the organization for $1.2 million and the NAACP's executive director's release for spending over $300,000 of the organization's funds to pay off alleged sexual harassment charges by a former employee, public trust began to fray. Evaluation of services and programs ensures organizations use resources wisely, efficiently, and assure…