| As a nonprofit, you have many resources that have | | | | So, are you a good steward of your organization's |
| been entrusted to you. Specifically, donors have given | | | | resources? Do you make sure that your organization |
| you their money, trusting that you will make sure it is | | | | operates efficiently? Do you shop around for the best |
| used wisely and used as it was intended when it was | | | | price on office supplies? Do you make sure that your |
| given. | | | | fundraising efforts are giving you the most bang for |
| Being a good steward means that you put the mission | | | | the buck? Do you periodically review your programs to |
| of the organization foremost in your mind then take | | | | see if there is room for improvement? |
| action based on how your choices will impact the | | | | In talking with staff from a small nonprofit recently, it |
| mission. Everything you do should support the mission | | | | occurred to me that being a good steward also |
| of your nonprofit in the best way possible. Ask | | | | means making sure that work is divided appropriately |
| yourself "If I write this fundraising letter, will it help us | | | | among staff. You don't want the highest paid person |
| feed more people? or "If I spend money on this new | | | | doing things that the administrative person could and |
| computer, will it help us find homes for more stray | | | | should be doing. |
| animals?" Some questions are more easily answered | | | | Being a good steward will reward you in lots of ways. |
| than others. | | | | Donors expect it, plus it's just the right thing to do. |
| Stewardship is a selfless thing. It's about focusing on | | | | Once you get a reputation for being a well-run, |
| what's best for the mission of the organization, not | | | | mission-focused organization, you'll find that you'll |
| necessarily what you want. This is a big shift for some | | | | attract even more donors and supporters. |
| people. | | | | |