Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Organizations and Community Governance
I recently gained a certificate focusing in nonprofit work through Auburn's Master of Public Administration. This means focusing and learning in classes such as Nonprofit Research Development, Nonprofit Law and Governance, and Nonprofit Management.
SLO 3: Students will understand how to identify, secure, and manage nonprofit resources in a way that facilitates financial stability.
Nonprofit Audit
POLI 6350: Nonprofit Law and Governance
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Audits provide a comprehensive internal and external assessment of an organization, including its resources and financial stability. ​​ Security goes beyond fundraising numbers; it also involves evaluating the intention and integrity of those within the nonprofit. Transparency is key for every NPO, and an audit helps identify missing documents, security risks, and areas of improvement. Administrators have to be equipped to critically assess their nonprofit's overall status and if it correlates with their mission.
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In my Nonprofit Law and Governance class, I led a group of three undergraduate students in conducting an official audit of CARE Humane Society. Unlike Competency 1, this project takes a broader approach by encompassing all areas of the organization rather than focusing solely on board governance. As the team leader, I took on multiple responsibilities, including editing the entire document, setting team deadlines, providing constructive feedback, and writing the "Effective Governance" section. My team and I made recommendations on improving CARE's financial documentation, emphasizing the importance of a whistleblower policy, and addressing the high turnover rate cause by the emotional demands of animal welfare. Leading the audit gave me the confidence that I can successfully apply these skills in a professional setting. Conducting an audit for a legitimate, local nonprofit gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of attention to detail and how that detail can significantly impact the entire organization.
SWOT Analysis
POLI 6360: Nonprofit Resource Development
A SWOT analysis is one of the most simple yet effective tools to ensure a nonprofit's assets are identified, stable, and secure. Financial stability is something every NPO strives for, and without clear direction, it could feel impossible to achieve. In my resource development class, we learned about SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This chart can serve as a strategic framework that allows board members and administrators to assess the internal capabilities and external pressures that impact the organization. Conducting routine SWOT analyses helps a nonprofit track its growth, document possible risks, and evolve when needed. Resilience is the goal, and a deeper understanding of both advantages and weaknesses can help an organization thrive.
I did my SWOT analysis on The Ehlers-Danlos Society and assessed all aspects of the organization. From social media marketing to the disruptive impact of the global pandemic, I considered every possible scenario. While these are helpful to do independently, this exercise may be even more effective in a group setting. SWOT provides administrators with a way categorize every notable aspect of an organization. Once completed, it can be used as a roadmap, guiding both board members and administrators to their next goal.
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This assignment sharpened my analytical skills and reminded me how important tracking organizational resources is for long-term success. It also taught me that a nonprofit's work extends far beyond fundraising. Success is more than just a dollar sign. True success is an organization's ability to overcome hardships without straying from its mission. Every role is important in strengthening a nonprofit's impact, and documenting the positives/negatives will help make a nonprofit organization more secure and financially stable.