Whether you’re considering volunteering for the first-time, looking to start your own, or working to take an organization to the next level, there is a lot to learn within non-profits!
Below, eight local leaders generously share advice and insight from their own experiences in Frederick’s non-profit world:
United Way of Frederick County
Ken Oldham, President & CEO
Most challenging part of running a nonprofit & strategies to overcome it:
Defining the nonprofit’s product is the most challenging. I place emphasis on what data is utilized to determine the scope and scale of the issue. In other words, what science is being used to identify the service gaps. At United Way, we have the benefit of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, a unique dataset that spells out those who are unable to afford a basic cost of living. It identifies our clients and their challenges. We deploy strategies to meet those challenges.
Fundraising Advise
The most effective fundraising organizations rigorously define and differentiate between their product – the strategy deployed to change the community?, their clients – who is benefitting from the product?, and their customers – who is paying for the bills?. Once defined, they streamline their sales pipeline and fine tune their customer service operations.
Trends in Frederick’s nonprofit community
We are seeing a new group of nonprofit entrepreneurs rising to the challenge of providing new services to Frederick’s ALICE community. Highly qualified and inspirational young professionals are dedicating themselves to service and that’s exciting!
SHIP of Frederick County
Melissa Muntz
Advice to someone in Frederick looking to join a nonprofit board for the first time:
Volunteer! Joining a committee or filling a regular volunteer role is a great way to get your feet wet with a few organizations that interest you. If you love it after a few months, you might inquire about board openings. If you don’t, you can gracefully move along with no hard feelings. It’s also a great way to really learn the ins and outs of an organization before overseeing their governance.
Leveraging Resources in Frederick’s community
We believe strongly in not reinventing the wheel. For that reason, we really try to provide services that others aren’t and to teach our students how to use existing resources to access services that are provided by others. For example, we are always going to explore TransIT as a transportation option for our students before provide a door to door ride. This free resource is something they can use for their entire lives, long after they complete our programming. By only providing rides to people who truly have no other option, we have a better picture of the true need and gap in service for our population.
Trends in Frederick’s nonprofit community
I get the sense that we are craving data right now and I love it! We meet the community’s needs by looking strategically at our wins and our losses, something we are starting to do collectively not just individually.
techfrederick
MeGhAN SwEigArt
Advice to someone in Frederick looking to join a nonprofit board for the first time:
When deciding to dedicate your time to support a nonprofit, it is important to choose one that aligns with your passions. While volunteering can provide valuable connections and enhance your resume, it is crucial for the nonprofit to have volunteers who are genuinely passionate and willing to actively participate in events and support the organization. As a volunteer, it is essential to feel proud of the organization you are supporting. It is important to share updates and spread the word about the impactful work the nonprofit is doing.
By volunteering your time, resources, and voice, you become an integral part of the organization's team, and an extension of the staff. Develop relevant skills: Nonprofit boards often look for individuals with specific skills and expertise. Take the time to develop skills that are relevant to the nonprofit sector, such as fundraising, marketing, finance, or strategic planning. This will make you a more attractive candidate for board positions. Additionally, make sure to inquire about the expectations and time commitment required by the nonprofit.
Best advice anyone has ever given you:
The best non-profit related advice I have ever received is to choose a cause that I am truly passionate about. When you are genuinely invested in the mission and goals of a non-profit, it becomes easier to dedicate your time and resources to support their work.
The most valuable and consistent advice I have received is to effectively manage the board and establish clear expectations. It is crucial to keep the board well-informed about ongoing projects, initiatives, and programs that they can actively support the staff on. Since the board is involved in various aspects of the organization's work, they can help promote it within their network. Collaborating with the board as a cohesive team is of utmost importance.
Trends in Frederick’s nonprofit community
Following the pandemic, individuals and organizations had to reassess their plans and fundraising strategies.
This challenging situation has pushed us to think creatively and explore unconventional approaches. As a result, we have discovered new effective strategies, identified what doesn't work, and found opportunities for ongoing improvement. We are witnessing the emergence of innovative events and fresh approaches to raising both funds and awareness.
Maryland Ensemble Theater
Katherine Duboius
Advice to someone in Frederick looking to join a nonprofit board for the first time:
Jump in and fully commit for your term. If it ends up not being right for you then at least you'll have made an exciting contribution, made some friends, and walked away with insight that you can take on to your next chapter.
Most challenging part of running a nonprofit and strategies to overcome it
There are small solutions and big solutions needed. Bigger solutions almost always require partnerships, mutual investment, a thorough pitch, and sustained energy. Give yourself time to find the right next big solution, you may have a lot of ideas of quick fixes to pursue but making big leaps means you need to fully stand behind your strategy and passion for change.
One thing you wished more people knew about Frederick’s non-profit community
It really is a community. Board members, volunteers, and employees are all working hand in hand. It's energizing and special to Frederick.
Federated Charities
Elin Ross
Advice for recruiting/managing volunteers
Give volunteers real projects to work on but ones that you don't have to "hands on" every moment with them.
Understand that volunteers need guidelines and policies just like employees and have some basic expectations in place before you ever say "yes" to a volunteer request.
Also, understand that your organization may not be able to successfully support a volunteer and be willing to say "no, but..." to an offer.
ONE thing you wished more people knew about Frederick’s non-profit community:
I wish more people understood how important nonprofits are in vibrant communities. Most of us think about social services (hunger, housing, medical, mental health) when we think about the sector but the sheer scope of community benefit is huge. The work of nonprofits touch all of us in some way and make our communities better for everyone...whether or not you ever use our services.
Most challenging part of running a nonprofit and strategies to overcome it
The most challenging part about being an executive director is experiencing the weight of #AllTheDecisions. My advice to overcome it is to build a network of fellow EDs who understand that experience...because almost no one else does. Set healthy boundaries or the work will eat you up and have a network of friends who let you decompress. Also, breathe.
Second Chances Garages
Barbara Swanhart
advice For starting a nonprofit:
- Make sure your organization is not already providing the services you will offer.
- Communicate with other Non-Profits to learn of their own experiences and obstacles they had to overcome.
- Research Local, State & Federal Laws
- Recognize your “Ideal Supporter” and investigate your market to see if it can support your financial & volunteer needs
- Complete a business plan: what is your mission, what are your services, what impact on your community will the organization make, what is your organizational structure, recognize how your organization plans to funding.
advice to someone in Frederick looking to join a nonprofit board for the first time:
Completely understand & support the mission of the Non-Profit: What programs are being offered, who is receiving the programs, how is the organization funded, top supporters.
Understand your commitment of time (length of terms) , financial support ( What is the BOD financial contributions) and resources ( do you have contacts that the organization will ask you to tap into, and are you comfortable with this. Realize that you will be giving more if those 3 things than you ever expected.
SCG provides Transportation services to over 30 Partner Agencies. We ask in return that these Partner Agencies promote SCG in all of their Social Media, Special Events, and advertising.
Leveraging Resources in Frederick’s community:
The Non Profit “family “ in Frederick is a tight knit group- become knowledgeable about them and support their missions and find raising efforts... the payoff comes back to your oganization 10 fold.
The Radio, TV, and print media is a must to tap into and levered. The relationship you have with them and the willingness to provide them with information when requested is huge. If you provide them with what they need, they inturn will support your efforts.
SOAR Frederick
Leslie Schultz
fundraising ADVISE
Look for opportunities that will help to raise awareness about your organization as well as revenue.
Think outside of the box and find something that will bring in others that might support your mission and those that you serve.
Social media is time consuming, but well worth the effort when it comes to raising funds and awareness.
Advice for recruiting/managing volunteers
Identify your needs first. Have a clear plan of what volunteers can assist with. Attend Volunteer fairs and use social media to share about a specific need to help with recruiting.
Create a volunteer database and send emails for new opportunities for volunteering. This really helps to keep them engaged. Be sure to include some impactful stories about how volunteering impacts those you serve.
Advice to someone in Frederick looking to join a nonprofit board for the first time:
Find an organization that is mission driven and has results to share about the impact they are making in the community.
Find an organization that shares your values, interests, and will offer you the chance to help them realize some objectives.
Ask how you can best help and be willing to share your particular skill set.
CITY Youth Matrix
Mary Ellen Mitchell
Leveraging Resources in Frederick’s community:
City Youth Matrix leverages local partnerships to support our families. We provide scholarships to help children attend extracurricular activities that their families cannot afford. Many of our enrichment partners offer us discounts so we can stretch our budget to help as many children as possible. Our clients attend programs at local businesses and CYM is proud to invest in our community.
One thing you wished more people knew about Frederick’s non-profit community
We are fortunate to live in a community with so many nonprofits that fill in the gaps in service and collectively assist tens of thousands of people each year. No one organization can fill the needs of one demographic of our local population, and we often work in conjunction with our peers or provide referrals. The local governments at the City of Frederick and Frederick County recognize our collaborative value and support us with grants to help achieve our missions.
Best non-profit related advice anyone has ever given you:
Relationships are at the heart of nonprofits. City Youth Matrix strives to follow this advice and connect with our clients, staff, volunteers and donors and build relationships that are meaningful. We work mindfully to involve each member of our matrix in our work and to share in the joy of providing our youth and families with access to opportunities.
Are you starting or growing a non-profit in The City of Frederick? Contact the Department of Economic Development for additional resources and assistance at business@cityoffrederickmd.gov.