Vicki Burkhart is Executive Director at Kids' Chance of America and John Goldwater is a Board Member for Kids' Chance. Together, they presented valuable information on what makes a nonprofit organization healthy and how you can test the health of your own state organization.This webinar focused on the questions for Board Members to consider and discuss as they aim to grow their organization. Vicki shared examples of GuideStar and Charity Navigator using questions focused on strategic plans, budgeting, and leadership to help categorize nonprofits and provide transparency to the public. Vicki also discussed her 30 years experience in the nonprofit field, determining 4 commonly seen obstacles that prevent nonprofits from succeeding.

4 Primary Obstacles to a Nonprofit's Success

1. Lack of a strong plan
2. Lack of the right board
3. Lack of resources needed to be sustainable
4. Lack of admin support

In order to avoid these obstacles and create a healthy organization, several elements were presented and discussed.

Key Elements to a Healthy and Effective Nonprofit

• A Clear Mission and Plan
• Board Leadership
• A Strong Supportive Volunteer Base
• Cash is King/Revenue
• People
• Sound Operations
• Nonprofit Sustainability
• Board Self-Assessment

In summary, it is important to take time to assess the health of your organization regularly and put in place strategies to address any threats to that health. Engage the entire board in this process and always be willing to adjust and adapt.

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