By Kim Glenn, President.
Over the last 13 years, moss+ross has had the privilege of working with 220 central North Carolina nonprofits to help them deliver on their missions. We partner with board and staff members alike to evaluate fundraising capacity, operational efficiency, and program impact, and help them develop plans that will enable them to thrive.
The National Council of Nonprofits says it well: “Capacity building is not just about the capacity of a nonprofit today — it’s about the nonprofit’s ability to deliver its mission effectively now, and in the future.”
When clients engage us to help them build capacity, we approach each situation as a unique opportunity to refocus on mission and find new ways to grow. We start by listening to key stakeholders, inside and outside of the nonprofit, who can help answer questions such as:
- Do you have a clear mission?
- Have you articulated your values, for example about core beliefs or about creating equitable environments in which to do your work?
- Who are your stakeholders and are you using their talents to move the organization forward?
- Do you have adequate staffing?
- How are you measuring your impact?
- And the ever important: Do you have a funding base that is growing?
Identifying the needs, agreeing on a strategy, and laying out an overarching plan is just the beginning. At moss+ross, we believe in putting plans on paper in a clear, simple way to help the organization implement on its mission.
We recently asked ourselves some of the same questions, approaching moss+ross’ internal capacity building needs in the same way we approach yours. As Susan and Mary announced, we identified our needs, agreed on a strategy, and put into place a plan to develop an expanded management structure for our firm. The key, whether for a nonprofit or a company, is to look at the multiple resources you have available and put them to work in the best way possible to achieve your goals.
I am proud of our firm’s growth and look forward to the ways we will continue to deliver on our mission to provide experienced and innovative consulting to strengthen central North Carolina nonprofits. Our team remains focused on our core beliefs: dedication to client success, building long-term client relationships, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. We embrace these values within our firm and through our hands-on work with community partners and clients, and are excited to continue supporting our clients’ success now, and in the future.
