Category Archives: blog

Guest blog post by Tiffany Manning                                                                                                                                                                     Volunteer, University of Florida Nonprofit organizations are funded through various revenue streams, including fundraisers and donations. It is important to be creative and think outside of the box, especially in a challenging economy. Now more than ever nonprofits need to be strategic and innovative while maintaining cost effectiveness. Providing your audience diverse opportunities to get involved or donate will keep them enticed while attracting new donors. Below are some tips on how to bring in the money: Follow the money: Many nonprofit leaders feel that they are doomed because of the current financial positions of most people across the country. … Read More

Guest blog post by Tiffany Manning                                                                                                                                                        Volunteer, University of Florida Are you interested in strengthening the management and governance of your nonprofit organization? The number of nonprofit organizations has escalated in the last few years and continues to grow. No matter the mission or purpose of your nonprofit, capacity building is a great way to ensure success. Capacity building is the evaluative efforts needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, in order to effectively and efficiently fulfill its mission. Capacity building can help an organization form development activities, such as leadership development, strategic planning, program design and evaluation, and board development. Capacity building includes the steps taken to improve the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. It can efficiently help a nonprofit organization improve – from learning about new Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and state regulations to improving volunteer recruitment. Many … Read More

Guest blog post by Tiffany Manning                                                                                  Volunteer, University of Florida 1. Include videos Posting videos from recent events or fundraisers is a great way to include your supports. Creating a YouTube account and posting all videos created is one way to make sure supports stay engaged. 2. Embrace the internet Just because you are a nonprofit and deal with serious causes does not mean you cannot entertain your audience. Most of the information on the internet is to inform the public of serious matter and some of it is done in a humorous, but respectful manner. 3. Interact with other nonprofits A great way to generate a new audience is to connect with other organizations. “Like” their Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter. Ask questions and help promote causes relevant to your own. As a nonprofit organization you need all the free help … Read More

Guest blog post by Tiffany Manning                                                                                                                                             Volunteer, University of Florida As of 2011, 92 percent of nonprofit organizations have a presence on at least one social networking site, according to Frank Barry, Director of professional services at Blackbaud. Eight ways to improve your nonprofit on social media 1. Tell stories – Connect donations to impact Tell your supporters about your recent campaign to raise awareness or how much was raised at a fundraiser. People like to know details about the organizations they support. Share videos of recent projects or send a letter to supporters to update them on the organizations work can be make an impact in donations. 2. Be positive Thank donors for their support and volunteers for their participation. People respond well to emotional positivity. … Read More

By Tiffany Manning, volunteer from the University of Florida “The greatest threat to the not-for-profit sector is the betrayal of public trust and the disappointment of public conference,” said Joel Fleishman, scholar, author and professor of Law and Public Policy at Duke University. One of the most important qualities of a successful nonprofit organization is trust.  Establishing honesty, trust and a code of ethics can be the difference between success and failure. Ethics is defined as a set of built-in principles of moral values, concerned with the judgment of the rights wrongs of human action and character. Nonprofit organizations are created to benefit the public. A nonprofits mission statement explains how the organization will serve the public. Nonprofit leaders have the responsibility of always upholding their mission statement to gain trust. Earning the public’s trust through ethical leadership and responsible practices is not an easy task, but is something all … Read More

In honor of Black History month, the Nonprofit Center is shining the member spotlight on The Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center. The History: The Cotton Club of Gainesville (named for its famous namesake of Harlem) was part of a circuit of night clubs and ballrooms which booked Black singers and musicians, including James Brown, B.B. King and Brook Benton. In a tumultuous time of segregation, The Cotton Club defied racial barriers by attracting people from all walks of life including UF students and faculty. Additionally, dance bands drew large crowds from as far away as Ocala, Palatka and Jacksonville. Click HERE for more history of The Cotton Club. The building was eventually purchased in hopes of renovating it to its former glory in order to “preserve the past and build the future”.  Thus, The Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center was born. When the building is fully restored, it … Read More