So, you’ve been waiting with baited breath for this next installment, haven’t you? Just as patience is a virtue, so is presenting your program in the best possible light virtuous. (A bit of a stretch, I know.) You can have hands-down the most helpful, most insightful, most significant nonprofit organization in the history of mankind but if no one knows about it or it just doesn’t seem to present itself well to others you’re dead in the water as far as funding is concerned. Remember that old marketing adage – people invest in people, not organizations. This brings us to the question:

Do You Present Your Program Well?

What special accreditations or qualifications allow you to perform your job well? While no one cares to read your History of the World Parts A-Z, it doesn’t hurt to let others know about your accomplishments that make you the perfect fit for delivery of an excellent end product for your organization. In regular communication with your funders, whether it’s through required reports, newsletters or just emails and other correspondence to say “hi,” it’s perfectly acceptable to highlight training or other education you’ve received that help make you an expert in the field.
Is there a program in place for regular evaluation of staff performance? Of course, this is an internal function but it’s great to be able to describe to funders that you actually do have such a program in place.
Can you provide third-party endorsements for your efforts such as community awards or complimentary testimonials? Ummmm…this is self-explanatory. The only comment here is that you usually have to ask for such an endorsement. And while you’re at it, just offer to write the thing for them.
How do you work to improve your performance? Again, while this is an internal function, there is always room for improvement and allows you to perform your responsibilities at optimum level. A great example of this is the social media craze. Most folks are uncomfortable branching into new territory but not only is it beneficial, it is now a necessity. So while personal growth is not exactly something you have to report to funders, stretching your abilities will result in improved performance.