Beyond Survival: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Model

This session helps nonprofits of all sizes move from short-term survival to long-term sustainability. Participants will explore how to strengthen leadership, align mission and strategy, and develop financial models that ensure stability and impact.

Key Takeaways

1. Clarify what sustainability means for your organization.
2. Assess and strengthen organizational capacity.
3. Align mission, strategy, and funding for long-term growth. 4. Build a roadmap for lasting impact.

Why Sustainability Matters Many nonprofits focus on immediate needs and funding gaps. Sustainability builds long-term resilience and community trust. A sustainable model allows for innovation, growth, and impact.

Transcript

1. Beyond Survival: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Model Presented by Auctria and The Nonprofit Cooperative
2. Founder and Executive Director Danette O’Connell About Me & The Nonprofit Cooperative About Me I’m Danette L. O’Connell, Founder and Executive Director of The Nonprofit Cooperative. Since 2004, I’ve helped nonprofits grow and transform, including leading membership organizations to 380% year-over-year growth since 2018. I bring over 20 years of experience, an MBA in International Business, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and an Associate’s in Computer Management. About The Nonprofit Cooperative (TNC) I created TNC, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, to give nonprofits across the U.S. FREE access to trusted resources, information, and training that save time and money. We also prescreen and vet business partners so nonprofits can confidently access high-quality services and stay focused on their mission. thenonprofitcooperative.org
3. Session Overview This session helps nonprofits of all sizes move from short-term survival to long-term sustainability. Participants will explore how to strengthen leadership, align mission and strategy, and develop financial models that ensure stability and impact.
4. Why Sustainability Matters Many nonprofits focus on immediate needs and funding gaps. Sustainability builds long-term resilience and community trust. A sustainable model allows for innovation, growth, and impact.
5. Defining Sustainability Sustainability means more than financial stability. It includes: Strong leadership and governance Strategic alignment of mission and programs Reliable, diversified funding Operational efficiency and adaptability
6. Sustainability Capacity Impact Key Takeaways 1. Clarify what sustainability means for your organization. 2. Assess and strengthen organizational capacity. 3. Align mission, strategy, and funding for long-term growth. 4. Build a roadmap for lasting impact.
7. Assessing Organizational Capacity Are your programs aligned with your mission and measurable goals? Does your board actively support strategic growth? Do you have financial systems that promote transparency and sustainability? How do you plan for leadership or funding transitions? Use these guiding questions:
8. Aligning Mission, Strategy & Funding Review all programs for mission alignment. Diversify funding to reduce dependency on one source. Communicate your impact clearly to funders and stakeholders. Use data to drive decisions and demonstrate outcomes.
9. Building a Roadmap for Sustainability Your sustainability roadmap should include: Vision and mission alignment Short-term (6–12 months) priorities Long-term (2–3 year) goals Metrics for progress and accountability Clear roles for staff and board involvement
10. Closing & Next Steps Reflect on today’s learnings and key takeaways. Identify 1–2 immediate actions to strengthen sustainability. Share insights with your team and board. Continue your journey through upcoming sessions in the Building Sustainability series.
11. Stay Connected with The Nonprofit Cooperative Thank you for joining us for 'Beyond Survival: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Model. Together, we’re helping nonprofits move from surviving to thriving. info@TheNonprofitCooperative.org ThenNonprofitCooperative.org Follow us on LinkedIn & Facebook @TheNonprofitCooperative Join the movement. Build. Connect. Thrive.