Commentary: Identifying strategic growth trends for small nonprofits

A number of years ago, I was invited by a small youth justice organization in New York City to help them develop a growth plan to reach and sustain a roughly $2 million budget. The organization had incredible, proven, high-impact programs, and they were bringing in funding consistently. But the executive director was drowning in direct reports, board management, and putting out organizational fires. She felt like the organization had been stuck, plateaued at just over $1 million for years. She felt unable to gain her footing, to expand the organization’s programming to meet increasing needs, hire the staff she needed, or even give her current staff the benefits and salary they deserved. 

Our work together was about how to get unstuck and how to grow in a way that could actually be sustained. My plan was to conduct research into best practices around growth for small organizations (under $2 million) and to interview the organization’s funders to gather qualitative insights to flesh out what the research showed about growth strategies and tactics. My specific question: What are the factors that an organization at this stage in its life cycle should consider if it is interested in sustainable growth?

Read more here.

– Brooke Richie-Babbage

TODAY’S BUZZ:

Brooklyn Community Foundation announced the recipients of the 2022 Spark Prize, the only honor celebrating nonprofits advancing racial justice in the borough. The five winning organizations will each receive $100,000 “no strings attached” awards. The winners are: Arab American Association of New York; Black Women’s Blueprint; Brooklyn Movement Center; Groundswell Community Mural Project; and Weeksville Heritage Center.

City Harvest’s Virtual Winter Family Carnival 2022: Around The World will be held on March 9 to raise money to combat food insecurity. 

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Nonprofit leadership transitions present a unique opportunity to assess where you organization is, where you want to go and what you’ll need to get you there. Interim Executive Solutions matches you with a professional interim partner who can understand your business, strengthen your operations and support your board in order to establish a more resilient, sustainable foundation for your next Executive Director, all within your current budget. Call 1-855-INT-EXEC for a no-obligation consultation.

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GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS: 

Dept. of Social Services/Human Resources Administration: The agency awarded $267,000 to SVAM International for IT consulting services.

TOP NEWS: Advocates fear an increase in child removals due to the eviction crisis (Women’s Media Center) … New York is once again letting people apply for eviction protection and rent relief (ABC7 New York) … The New York City Department of Education has updated its attendance policy to give educators discretion on allowing students to learn remotely during the current COVID surge, and to count those students as present for attendance purposes (Gothamist) … New York City schools are grappling with grief and loss in the wake of the deadly Bronx fire (Chalkbeat New York)

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This April, City & State and NYN Media will recognize 40 rising stars making their mark on New York’s nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit 40 Under 40 will honor individuals who are working hard to improve their communities, have made great strides in their careers and hold the promise of a bright future in the nonprofit industry. Sound like someone you know? Click here to nominate a friend, colleague or client for this honor! 

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ANALYSIS: With the state eviction pause ended, here’s what tenants should know (The City) … How the new Robin Hood CEO plans to fight poverty in New York City (Chronicle of Philanthropy)

OPINION: New York City Mayor Eric Adams is now in charge of the city’s response to two big, and growing, problems – a housing affordability crisis and sea-level rise, flooding, and storm surges. There is a way to help tackle both issues in one bold policy stroke: expand Manhattan Island into the harbor (New York Times)

NYN Media Jobs

To view all jobs, please visit jobs.nynmedia.com. To advertise your employment opportunities with NYN Media email jobs@nynmedia.com

 
Podcast/Video Producer, City & State, New York, NY
City and State NY is seeking a part time Video & Audio Producer who can assist in all aspects of production for a daily video program, a weekly video program and a weekly podcast. Candidates should be comfortable operating under tight deadlines in a collaborative environment and have a good sense of humor. This is a project-based role. Learn more details and apply here.

 
Registered Nurse, The Children's Village, New York, NY
Children's Village is seeking a Registered Nurse who will be accountable for the coordination of health care services in the Clinic and Infirmary of the residents of Children's Village during an assigned tour of duty. Also services as the School Nurse for Day Students in Greenburgh 11 school District as needed. Apply here.

 
Financial Case Manager, Concern for Independent Living, Bronx, NY
The Financial Case Manager is responsible for providing financial management services to tenants/ residents residing in Concern’s NYC housing programs. The role is multi-focused and includes assistance with rent collection and monitoring, establishing, and maintaining eligibility for benefits, and providing budgeting education and support to tenants to help improve their financial literacy skills. Learn more details and apply here.

 
Institutional Giving Associate, New Alternatives for Children, Inc., NYC
The Institutional Giving Associate will partner with the Assistant Director, Government Contracts & Strategic Initiatives, and liaison regularly with key program staff as well as other departments throughout the organization. They will also work with the Director of Institutional Giving identifying government, corporate, foundation grant opportunities, and writing proposals. Apply here.

 
Program Supervisor, Concern for Independent Living, Brooklyn, NY
The Program Supervisor is responsible for managing the residence in a manner which promotes client growth, safety, and the effective delivery of rehabilitation services. In addition, the Supervisor is responsible to oversee operations such that they maintain compliance with all program requirements. Learn more details and apply here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Have a birthday, career change, birth or death to announce? Email amolina@govexec.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

New York City

Jan. 24 – The Power of Purpose: A Social Media Intervention for Teen Girls (226 E. 52nd St., Manhattan)

Jan. 24 – Compost Build Community Volunteer Days 2022 (43-50 Main St., Queens)

Online

Jan. 25-Jan. 27 – LiveOn NY’s 32nd Annual Conference on Aging & Vendor Show

Jan. 26 – 10 Myths About Affordable Housing

Jan. 26 – Building a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace

Feb. 9 – Coping with COVID: The Latest on Employer Obligations and Best Practices

Submit your event by sending a short description and a working link to amolina@govexec.com.

TRADE TIPS: Focus on millennial donors at your peril (NonProfit PRO)