Budgeting Basics
Not too long ago, we wrote a post on the CCVO blog about budgeting in uncertain times as we all navigated the impacts of the pandemic. You can view that post here. We decided to refresh that blog and remove a bit of the uncertainty from it, as we move forward. Although there are always some unknowns when budgeting, these basics will help you get started and be prepared, without the major uncertainties we have faced in previous years.
An Introduction to Utilizing Key Performance Indicators in Your Organization
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are a way to measure progress towards business or agency goals. Whether it be for profit, employee retention, or general costs, KPIs as a tool have been used for decades by many businesses. The issue for many Not-for-Profits (NPO) is that the majority of these indicators seem to be based on the idea that one is generating profits for the business. This is not always the case, and KPIs serve a valuable purpose in the NPO world as well.
Structuring a Board in a Not-for-Profit
Structuring a Board is a strategic and in-depth process. Many Boards consist of professionals in other sectors or positions that serve on a Board on a volunteer basis. Sometimes it can take a couple of attempts to create the perfect scenario. A Key element one should look for in a Board member in a director position is that they have an understanding of the mission of the not-for-profit and are ready and willing to donate the time required.
Telling Your Organization's Story
At the core of many not-for-profits is empathy, compassion, and community. Every Not-for-Profit has a story behind their cause. Telling a story in a compelling way will help solidify a cause, attract donors, and position an organization strongly in their community. Donors are searching for meaning, and hearing the stories from not-for-profits helps them feel connected to the cause.
How to Budget in Uncertain Times
As organizations continue to navigate through uncertain times, it can be tricky to budget when a multitude of outside factors could change your course of action. This post from guest blogger Robin Butler of Baker Tilly Catalyst highlights a few guidelines and tips that can be utilized to plan your budgeting even during turbulent times.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As a sector dedicated to supporting and uplifting communities, we all – staff, board, volunteers, and other supporters – have a direct and important role to play in truth and reconciliation. CCVO acknowledges that the very sector in which, and for which, we work has been founded on colonial systems, and that these systems have contributed to the direct discrimination against and harm of Indigenous Peoples and communities.
With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching this Thursday, we pause to acknowledge and honour the survivors of and those who did not make it home from Canada's Indian residential schools. CCVO staff will spend the week listening and reflecting with open eyes and hearts, as we continue on our own personal learning journeys. Though we recognize that this journey is just that – and that we must spend every day of the year listening and learning.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
As a sector dedicated to supporting and uplifting communities, we all – staff, board, volunteers, and other supporters – have a direct and important role to play in truth and reconciliation. CCVO acknowledges that the very sector in which, and for which, we work has been founded on colonial systems, and that these systems have contributed to the direct discrimination against and harm of Indigenous Peoples and communities.
With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching this Thursday, we pause to acknowledge and honour the survivors of and those who did not make it home from Canada's Indian residential schools. CCVO staff will spend the week listening and reflecting with open eyes and hearts, as we continue on our own personal learning journeys. Though we recognize that this journey is just that – and that we must spend every day of the year listening and learning.
Fundraising Best Practices: Getting Back to Normal
As we get closer to normal life again, it’s important to evaluate your fundraising strategy and make sure you’re ready to pivot once more. Is your organization moving the needle on your mission? Too many people rely on you so there really is no option other than to go all in. This includes fundraising. Catalyst recently hosted a webinar with John Phin, a manager at BNP Goldie Canada, guiding participants through time-honored principles, standards, benchmarks, and fundraising in a post COVID world. This post includes the main learning points from his presentation, written by CCVO Guest Blogger Caitlin Simpson.
The news of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children found at the former residential school in Kamloops, the community of Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc, is a devastating and heartbreaking discovery and reminder of the trauma inflicted by settlers and colonial systems upon Indigenous children, families, and communities. This trauma doesn’t live in the past; it’s present in daily life. As part of the nonprofit sector and our role in serving communities, it is the responsibility of both nonprofit organizations and individuals to learn and acknowledge the disturbing truths of the Indian Residential School system and take deliberate action toward reconciliation.
3 Branding Shifts to Help Your Nonprofit Stand Out
Social media is flooded with content. Facebook has over 2.74 billion monthly active users, an increase of 12% year over year. In order to be seen you need to break through the noise. In this post, Kerstin Heuer summary of the 3 branding shifts that nonprofits can make to stand out in the online noise.
Five Things Nonprofits Can Learn From Startup Culture
CCVO Capacity Building webinars offer presenters the opportunity to expand upon their topic in a follow-up blog post. In this blog post, David Yiptong provides a summary of the five things that nonprofits can learn from startup culture and his recommendations for applying this information to your organization.
Stop The Cycle: How To Manage An Underperforming Employee
CCVO Capacity Building webinars offer participants further learnings through a follow-up blog post from the webinar speaker. In the following post, speaker Matt Youens answers a question about tracking performance management in times of remote work.
Lower Stress with a Sick Time Coverage Plan
CCVO Capacity Building webinars offer participants further learnings through a follow-up blog post from the webinar speaker. In the following post, speaker Brandy Payne answers a question regarding sick time coverage plans.
Lower Stress with a Sick Time Coverage Plan
CCVO Capacity Building webinars offer participants further learnings through a follow-up blog post from the webinar speaker. In the following post, speaker Brandy Payne answers a question regarding sick time coverage plans.
Strong Leadership in Times of Crisis: Webinar Follow-Up
Each CCVO Capacity Building webinar offers participants the opportunity to submit questions to the presenter for consideration in a follow-up blog post. In his blog post, Mark discusses encouraging self-care in employees, mitigating the toxic effects of certain individuals, and the role of a leader. We encourage you to read his insights in this blog post.