How can I create an organizational system for my charity so it can move forward even if I'm not there?
The structure of a non-profit organization greatly differs from the structure of a for profit organization, because non-profits rely on unpaid volunteers to carry out the work. Sometimes it can be hard to set up an organizational system for a non-profit that includes rules and governance mechanisms that make sure the money raised supports the purpose of the charity. It can also be trying to figure out how this organizational system will work when the leader or founder of the charity is not present. The founder of the charity must establish an organizational system that will keep the wheels of the non-profit rolling when he or she is not present. When establishing this system, it is important to remember that many states have rules governing the structure of non-profits.
Normally, most nonprofits organizational structures are compromised of three areas, governance, programs, and administration. These areas are normally subdivided into smaller areas, depending on the nature and goals of the nonprofit.
Governance
Nonprofits need to have a board of directors. The size of the board of directors varies, but remember to check the rules that your state sets for a charity organizations board of directors. The number of times that the board will meet each year changes from one charity to another, depending on the needs of the organization. The board's work is mapped out by the founder, and the board will probably organize itself into several subdivisions responsible for carrying out different operations.
Administration
The staff that oversees the charity's programs is the administration. The administration normally has an executive director, and office workers. The board of directors shares their plans with the executive director, who then carries out the plan. The executive director also oversees the staff that carries out the programs of the charity.
Programs
Most charity program areas include fundraising, operations, development, human resources, volunteer coordinator, marketing, or publicity and planning. The program heads are under the executive director and are in charge of the staff members and volunteers carrying out the program work.
This type of centralized organizational system has been found to be most successful for nonprofits. It is a system that is full of checks and balances, making sure the nonprofit stays focused on their goals, and it also allows the founder to be gone for periods of time without the charity work ceasing. If you would like further details on how to set up an organizational system for your nonprofit, contact us.