Leadership In Nonprofit Organizations

Fundraising leadership within a nonprofit organization is crucial to the success of the overall mission and controls the size of any possible impact the nonprofit can make on a community. Most often leadership is a backbone which employees use as a source for various job related problems. In the nonprofit sector leadership is even more important as many times there are fewer employees and volunteers are not as consistent as they may have other obligations that take up their time. There are multiple jobs the leaders must perform in order to ensure the nonprofit organization is self-sustainable and will provide the adequate services presumed available. Apostu wrote an article regarding leadership and development in non-governmental organizations
Leaderships consist of a president which could be the founder of the organization, a vice president, and a board of trustees. Mel and Pearl Shaw state in their article regarding fundraising success that, “The president is the face and voice for the institution's fundraising.” Usually the president of a nonprofit does earn wages as this position requires adequate time and commitment. The contributions made by the board of trustees are all very significant as well but ultimately the president of the organization will hold the final say in crucial decisions. The trustees could be people who attend regular meetings at the nonprofit location or they could be scattered throughout the United States and have virtual meetings less often when important decisions require
Usually staff development plans are made by the leadership staff to enable employees to understand their jobs, provide them incentive for growth within the company, and guide them into the right direction when situations occur that may be problematic. A positive environment is a necessity in nonprofit organizations as it was previously mentioned; typically the volunteers are the nuts and bolts in the business. Sara Tillott wrote an article which discussed the importance of staff engagement and the development of a positive workplace through the efforts of leadership through her activities in the healthcare field. She stated in her article, “My time spent as a registered nurse has exposed me to the effects of a poor workplace culture, predominantly influenced by hierarchal management and dogmatic leadership styles.” Although many nonprofits don’t have a medical environment it can be said that many people that are in all types of work environments have been exposed to those negative cultures. Later she mentioned cultural changes and stated, “There is, however, growing concern that perhaps the potential for greater individual and team effectiveness is inhibited by the way organizations use their valuable human, financial and natural resources.” Communication between leadership and the staff can be increased by positive mentoring, regular staff meetings, and