Success can often feel like a juggling act for nonprofits already struggling with the continual strain of stretched budgets and limited funding. Unfortunately, specific priorities inevitably fall behind as a result, and investing time and resources into professional development and training is often in this category.

After all, when an organization is already running on a tight shoestring, essentials like raising money or delivering programs and services come out on top. But could you benefit from reconsidering that outlook and making professional development an equal priority?

After all, this type of internal investment has the potential to ensure that both your team and organization are at its best. While it may mean hefty initial outlays, there's a strong argument that training could actually power your nonprofit.

Of course, that's not to say you should spend a significant portion of your funding on this focus, but it does mean that you could benefit from reassessing or working with your board of directors to make professional development a priority in 2022.

Happier teams are a common outcome of nonprofit professional development and training

As nonprofit professionals, we are wired to consider the outcomes of every program and service we deliver. Taking this approach when investing in new training opportunities is equally valuable.

Your team is the heart of your nonprofit, and if they're not happy, the rest of your organization is going to struggle. This is especially true considering that many people in the nonprofit field are doing their jobs for the love of the service area and mission.

It's not always feasible to increase salaries. Still, you do at least have the power to offer consistent and valuable training opportunities to help them expand their knowledge, acquire new skills, and become experts in their field.

What's more, with 93% of employees saying they would stay in a position for longer if it offered even basic training, putting a little money into this right now could see you saving a great deal on otherwise expensive employee recruitment.

Take time to ask your team what they want to learn more about, in what areas they want to grow and develop, and then seek out ways to provide that training - either virtually or through in-person conferences.

Professional development topics and training to consider

Beyond listening to your team and exploring their suggestions, it's great to keep a list of ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

The list is bound to grow and change over time as your organization changes, and that's okay. It's simply one more tool to add to your toolbox.

Potential topics and areas to explore include:

Learning the latest technology tools used in your organization like website platforms (Squarespace, Wordpress, etc.), Microsoft office products, collaboration tools like Notion, editing tools like Grammarly, etc.
Deep-dives into your donor database providers to ensure your team uses the software to its full capabilities. Most of these products are always offering training online.
Leadership development and communication skills - provide employees with free tuition for a course at your local community college or university.
Invite wellness instructions, health & safety consultants, or mindfulness teachers to the office quarterly to address workplace culture, mental health, and safety training.
Foster the love of design or photography through a local art school or your arts community - these team members can use the skills to benefit your organization.
If you're a local affiliate of a national organization, seek out ways to send team members to conferences from your industry or parent organization.

Professional development should be a core component within your organization and, when implemented effectively, has the potential to offer long-term benefits for both your team and the organization.

Prioritize discussions with your board members about being generous in this area and include the investment in your annual budget. Your team will take notice, and you'll feel more fulfilled as a leader, too.

Until next time,

Andrea

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