Top Ten Strategies For
Managing A Non-profit
Family Voices
June, 2008
1.Keep All Aspects Of Your
Agency Beyond Reproach
An advocacy organization is highly
vulnerable to challenges and scrutiny.
Pay special attention to:
 Accounting
 Personnel
 HIPPA requirements
 Reporting on grants and contracts
 Staff training and staff conduct
2. Hire A Good Accountant
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We had no budget for a staff position
We contracted with an accounting
agency that understands our grant and
contract reporting
They helped us set up fiscal policies
They manage our payroll
They work well with the auditors during
our annual federal audits
3. Find A Good Lawyer
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Review all personnel policies.
Review all by-laws and operational
needs.
Consult with the Board as needed.
4. Set Up A Good
Communication System
Like many advocacy agencies, our staff
work in the field, not in the office.
 Purchase a good phone system.
 Use cell phones.
 Use e-mail.
5. Find An Efficient System To
Produce And Manage Documents
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Get a secure system for HIPPA
requirements.
Produce documents in-house as needed
to save dollars and customize materials.
Allow for easy access by staff to
documents they frequently need.
6. Invest In Technology!
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Hire a good IT service with knowledge of
your system and the ability to respond to
problems within 4 hours.
Wire your office with a plan to grow!
Secure your computers.
7. Grow Your Board
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Try and get the skills you need on your
board—financial, outreach, legal.
Get a consultant to focus on Board
development, strategic planning and
accountability and oversight
Use your auditor to explain accounting, audits
and Sarbanes Oxley issues if you don’t have
anyone on the board to address this.
Use an attorney to review ethical issues that
may arise with your board.
8. Stay Organized
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Put aside time to plan your office, files
and basic office operations.
Review the plan and modify as you
grow.
9. Document Everything!
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Develop a good system for tracking
accruals of time off, benefits, etc.
Document any staff communication that
may lead to disciplinary action.
Keep meeting notes of all supervision.
10. Relax, Have Fun and Celebrate!
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Develop an office culture that is professional
but fun.
Take time out with the staff to talk, laugh and
support each other.
Be flexible when you can.
Don’t lose your focus as a family organizationand let your office look like a family
organization—pictures, decorations, etc,