Meaningful Nonprofit Employment

Recent focus has been on data that shows nonprofit staff are dropping out or falling through the cracks of our sector because of burnout and less competitive compensation. However, nonprofits across NC employ 10% of our state’s workforce, pay $19 billion in wages (at last count in 2022), and provide essential educational, cultural, and personal services and connections throughout our communities. How do we create meaningful opportunities that appeal to and keep dedicated workers in the nonprofit sector?

• Internships offer young professionals (actually, any professional) the opportunity to see jobs within the sector and develop connections and skills to fill entry-level roles. Mentorship starts here, and former interns have shared that organizations who create meaningful workplans and ways for interns to integrate with the staff and the mission build those key connections and skills.
• Visible career paths within the organization are a clear indicator that you value employees and support opportunities for them to advance. Even small nonprofits can develop career paths that identify roles, skills, and goals.
• Professional development may be mentioned in the personnel manual but reminding staff and sharing potential opportunities underscores the organization’s commitment to helping employees tap their skills and advance, even if it may be with another nonprofit in the long run. 
• Mentorships provide personal connections and professional development. They can also be an intentional and insightful way to recognize and address burnout or disjointed staff/work culture so organizations can foster a more resilient, equitable workplace.
• Support staff at all levels. Even the most executive leaders benefit from professional development, mentor support, and positive work culture.

Useful (Nonpartisan) Election Tips

Because nonprofits play a critical role in promoting a safe and accessible voting process during elections, our friends at National Council of Nonprofits tapped three nonprofit leaders – including the Center’s David Heinen – to video share election tips and actionable steps to help nonprofits and our communities navigate the pitfalls of the current political landscape and stay informed, prepared, and engaged this election season.

They’ve also partnered with Nonprofit Vote on the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide to help organizations engage in elections on a nonpartisan basis, leverage networks for greater impact, and build relationships with elected officials. The guide lays out the rules of nonpartisanship, how to make a plan, tips for engaging potential voters, and permitted nonpartisan activities.

In addition to this guide, Nonprofit Vote provides an entire library of tools, templates, and other resources to support voter engagement. Nonprofits can also participate as partners in National Voter Registration Day on September 17 and tap toolkits, webinars, event swag, and more.

Relevant & Resonant Communications

Elections are surrounded by noise and media and this year is no exception. While nonprofits are important players in supporting a fair election process, we also recognize that our mission work doesn’t stop for it. Is it futile, or even possible, to make room for our mission-specific communications?

This 2020 (and still relevant) discussion hosted by The Communications Network offers interesting perspectives on how to bring your area of expertise and add value to the election conversations that are going on, as well as understand where and how people hear and interact with election messaging “within the construct of how individuals support issues” to help nonprofits hone our communications to resonate with our audiences beyond November.

Funding Need a Boost?

New data from Giving USA on 2023 charitable giving shows that all four sources – individuals, foundations, bequests, and corporations – remained flat or declined when adjusted for inflation. Overall charitable giving dropped 2.1% and has not yet surpassed the all-time inflation-adjusted high set in 2021 (the last year of the non-itemizer deduction).

This is not great news for nonprofit fundraising. However, when organizations (learn how to) take stock of their financial health, they can build more accurate budget forecasts and strategize on how to steward donors that support the organization in more meaningful ways. 

What We're Reading

• The countdown is on to access North Carolina’s $1.7 billion unused state and local fiscal recovery funds – start here
• Demographic data nonprofits provide on their GuideStar profiles is not for naught. Candid’s Demographics via Candid Dashboard provides (filterable) insights.
• Civil conversations are possible even in the midst of ‘powder-keg topics’

Upcoming Training

• From Financial Freakout to Prosperous Nonprofit, July 23
• Beyond the Ballot: How Your Organization Can Win This November, July 30
• Engaging Governance Volunteers through Strategic Planning, August 7
• Nonprofit Management Institute Master Class, August 20
• Nonprofit Management Institute, September 10-October 15
• Major Donor Strategy Deep Dive, September 11
• Conference for NC's Nonprofits, October 22-23
• The Trainer Academy (on-demand, 16-session course)
• The Ultimate Grant Proposal Blueprint: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap and Build-It-Yourself Toolkit for Crafting an A+ Proposal (on-demand, 8-session course)
• Bookmark the Nonprofit Calendar for ongoing training and events

Thank You, Supporters!

We appreciate the support of these new businesses in Business Finder, our online directory of businesses and consultants that work specifically with nonprofits. Check them out and learn how to purchase a listing.

Welcome, New Members!

We appreciate the members of our growing nonprofit network. Your support and partnership make it possible for us to educate, connect, and advocate for and with nonprofits across North Carolina.

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Nonprofit Connections is the monthly newsletter of nonprofit news, trends, and resources from the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits.

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