Choosing a Charity Wisely
Most small business owners are creative and entrepreneurial and possess the characteristics that make for great nonprofit board members. But, lets be honest, 99.9% of those people want something in return. Most “saints” don’t receive our newsletter, so I’ll address the rest of us instead.
Recognition, more business, new friendships. All are valid considerations for joining a board and there’s nothing wrong with any one of them. Being a nonprofit board member should be a win/win and well run charities understand the impetus. They encourage it. It provides them committed members and helps them achieve their mission.
So, how do you decide on what board to offer your services? Obviously, look to a cause that has some meaning to you first. If heart disease runs in your family, you’ll want to put your efforts there. But, if there’s none that have a “special” pull, here are things to look for and why.
First, look for an organization that’s in the local news often. Check out their Web site and who’s on their board. Are they names you recognize in your community? Ask to receive some of their handouts and tell them you’re considering giving their organization your time and your company’s support. Are they professional? Did the organization follow up with you? If they didn’t, move on. They haven’t seen the value you represent yet. You want to be involved with an organization that has a great staff where your abilities can make a difference. As a board member, your responsibility is to open doors for the professionals, approve or disapprove policy and direction and, of course, there’s a financial obligation. All of the expectations should be spelled out before you make a commitment. Most nonprofits will welcome any extra involvement but, if they’re well run, they understand that you have a day job and won’t burn out their key volunteers.
On every board that I’ve been privileged to chair, I’ve encouraged members to support the businesses of other board members. If they’re doing well, there’ll be more for the cause. Don’t be embarrassed to hand out your business card or offer your board room for meetings. And by all means, suggest that the organization’s stationery list the board members and the companies that employ them. People do business with people they like, trust and give back to their community.
Michael Fruchtman is past President of Ohio Easter Seals and the Chairman Elect of NW Ohio MS Society also currently serving on the Communication Committee of the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Michael is also the President of RELEV8 – a division of Fruchtman Marketing specializing in marketing for nonprofits.
By Michael Fruchtman on January 5, 2010 :: Filed under Take into Account,Think
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