Capacity
building key for nonprofits
by Liz
Livingston Howard, associate director of the
Center for Nonprofit Management
One
of the concerns leaders in the nonprofit sector face is
building their organization’s capacity. This agenda
includes enhancing the ability to deliver strong programs,
to attract outstanding staff and volunteers, to manage
the organization effectively and to measure performance
accurately to meet goals.
Capacity
building is important for large and small organizations
as the sector becomes increasingly competitive and resources
increasingly scarce. Funders particularly want to ensure
that organizations have the strength to withstand a variety
of challenges while remaining sufficiently flexible so
they can meet demand.
To build
capacity, many nonprofit leaders are looking to top-tier
educational programs to help them develop skills to grow
their organizations.
Staying
true to the social “mission” is a hallmark
of a strong nonprofit; however, it is no longer sufficient
simply to “do good.” Organizations must “do
good well” to survive and thrive. Common business
principles — including finance, marketing, organizational
change, governance and leadership — are increasingly
applied to the nonprofit sector.
Through
its Center
for Nonprofit Management, the Kellogg School
is harnessing the thought leadership of its faculty to
benefit the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit leaders are taking
advantage of new Kellogg courses offered at the school’s
downtown Chicago campus to expand their skills and enhance
the effectiveness of their organizations.
“ Demand
for our programs has been very strong,” says Professor
Donald
Haider, who directs the Center for Nonprofit Management.
Through lectures, classroom discussion and case analysis,
nonprofit executives and senior-level volunteers learn
specific theories and practical examples that help them
make sound decisions leading to continued success in this
challenging and exciting field.
For
more information, see the center’s
Web site, or call Jane Hoffman at 847-467-5969.
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