The Importance of an “Ask”
When thinking about a partnership with a nonprofit maybe it is best to start out with clear expectations.
Part of my responsibilities at McKinney Capital & Advisory involve creating and maintaining relationships with our nonprofit partners. I am also operating a nonprofit of my own, albeit small, but understand there are two side to the operation. A recent article from Forbes.com outlines the growing expectations and responsibilities involved in relationships between corporations and nonprofits. The article explains that greater communication, measurement, and responsibility in reporting are increasingly expected by companies from nonprofits.
While this might be cause for stress or might make some question why companies are giving with “strings attached” I think the right question is, what are companies asking for when they give and what are the nonprofits agreeing to? We all enter into relationships whether it be personal, professional, financial, etc. When thinking about a partnership with a nonprofit maybe it is best to start out with clear expectations. Make sure to have your “ask” before you meet with the other party – this way you can define what the follow up should be before you embark on any time, talent, or treasure relationship.
For more on corporate giving check out “Companies Expect More From Nonprofits, Report Finds” by Ryan Scott on Forbes.com
Copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/causeintegration/2014/05/02/companies-expect-more-from-nonprofits-report-finds/?utm_source=followingweekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20140505
