How To Get More From Your Non Profit Budget Sheet

Is your non profit budget offering enough (or the right) programs to keep members active and engaged? New programs require time, effort and money. So when you commit to developing one, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Here are some simple non profit budget dos and don’ts to get the most out of your budget sheet.

DO consult your members. Through focus groups, surveys and informal conversations, gather information about issues your membership is facing. Note gaps between your budget sheet, current program offerings and members’ wants and needs.

DON’T support foregone conclusions. Spinning member feedback to match what you think your organization needs is a big mistake.

DO target specific outcomes that align with your non profit budget. Identify the intended outcomes of proposed programs and attach to them strategic, realistic and timely goals within your budget sheet.

DON’T lose focus. Consider only program ideas that will directly contribute to your association’s mission, vision and overall goals.

DO protect your creation. If your new program is unique, protect it with appropriate trademarks, service marks, copyrights, and patents.

DON’T go it alone. Whenever possible, share expenses and resources by partnering with other organizations. Alliances can lend depth, breadth and impact to programs. Your budget sheet will thank you for it.

DO keep your promises. Deliver new programs on time, on target and on your non profit budget for the greatest impact.

DON’T overspend. Come up with a reasonable budget and stick to it. Make adjustments only when absolutely necessary.

DO start small. Launch new programs slowly and thoughtfully — and then build on initial success as your budget sheet grows.

DON’T worry about perfection. Take chances and try new strategies.

The best ideas often are those most different from what you’ve done in the past. If you seek tools for building your organization’s non profit budget and listing revenue sources on a programmatic/functional basis, we are here to guide you through. We will assist you with budget sheet items including allocation of personnel, direct and indirect non-personnel expenses and more.  For more tips on making the most of your non profit budget, please click here to contact us or give us a call at (703) 534-6040. Our cloud base solution serve clients all over the nation.