Five Truisms

Five Truisms of a Sustainable Nonprofit Organization

Know thy Beneficiaries:

  • “The Who” - Know who to serve and who to build relationships with
  • “The Uniqueness” - Know what makes the organization uniquely prepared
  • “The Environment” - Know the macro trends affecting the beneficiaries

Know Thy Self:

  • “The Why” - Know the leader’s personal strengths and weaknesses
  • “The Team” – Know the Board of Directors strengths and weaknesses
  • “The Lid” - Know and accept the organizations ability to adapt to change

Know thy Purpose:

  • “The Vision” – Know and tell a compelling, vivid three-year story
  • “The Mission” - Know the organizations simple, cause-driven purpose
  • “The Value” - Know the benefits and value the beneficiaries receive

Execute thy Purpose:

  • “The What” - Execute the right objectives and measure them
  • “The How” – Execute the simple and effective strategy
  • “The Celebration”- Execute communications ferociously to all stakeholders

Cultivate thy Rhythm:

  • “The Alliances” - Cultivate a network of collaborative organizations
  • “The Culture” - Cultivate a buy-in and pride of ownership mindset
  • “The Brand” - Cultivate the DNA, the Heritage and the Legacy

“Nonprofit organizations with passionate visionaries and compelling causes will rise and some will fall, but organizations built on these fundamental Truisms will fulfill their vision and mission and become sustainable over the proven test of time.”  Leo Abdella, Social Entrepreneur