We Have Met The Enemy And He Is...

ALS or us?

Following is from current issue of The Benefactor in an article highlighting the questions to ask when investigating a charity before making a gift.  It would be interesting to know the answer to the question on the efficiencies of collaboration from the big players in the fight against ALS.

It's not a naive question.  It's not a stupid question.

HELPFUL HINTS: Asking Nonprofit Organizations the Right Questions

Many dedicated donors understand the 

importance of asking the right questions 

to ensure that their giving goals are 

accomplished. It is essential, particularly 

during challenging economic times, for 

you to further your understanding about 

nonprofit organizations’ budgets as well as 

their short and long term strategic plans. 

We encourage you to ask your favorite 

charities the following questions: 

IS THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TAKING 

ACTION TO OFFSET NEGATIVE 

ECONOMIC IMPACT? 

Stories of corporate restructuring and cre- 

ative ways to cut costs permeate the news on 

a daily basis. While the actions of publicly 

traded companies are well-documented for 

shareholders, this is not always the case with 

the nonprofit sector. Donors should hold 

accountable the charitable organizations they 

support. Asking about specific actions the 

organization is taking to combat today’s 

difficult economy, reviewing its business 

plan, and examining its budget are great 

ways to increase your understanding. 

IS THE ORGANIZATION 

COLLABORATING WITH COLLEAGUES 

IN THE PHILANTHROPIC SECTOR? 

The need for services and solutions is 

increasing, and the costs associated with 

delivering them are also escalating. Facing 

this conundrum, it may be worthwhile for 

nonprofit organizations to consider join- 

ing forces to achieve the higher good. You 

should ask if, and how, a charity is working 

with other nonprofit organizations to meet 

needs in the most efficient way. If the 

organization is not collaborating with others, 

you may want to encourage them to do so. 

WHAT STEPS HAS THE 

ORGANIZATION TAKEN OR 

IS IT PLANNING TO TAKE 

TO CUT ITS BUDGET? 

Today’s economic environment has caused 

many organizations to reevaluate how they 

operate and to make difficult budget 

decisions. Numerous charities are revisiting 

their strategic plans and programs so that 

smart decisions are made to uphold 

their core missions. Ask the nonprofit 

organizations you support what steps they 

are taking along these lines and what 

trade-offs they may be facing. 

CAN THE ORGANIZATION QUANTIFY 

ITS IMPACT AND SERVICE NEEDS? 

If you have supported several charities in 

past years, you may consider examining 

them more closely to identify which has 

the strongest need. An increasing need for 

resources and services, as well as growing 

evidence of their impact, are strong 

indicators of organizations that continue 

to require support from donors. Charities 

should be able to quantify their service 

needs and to openly discuss their track 

records when you ask.