Nonprofit Management
and Best Practices
Below is a compilation of resources pertaining to the development of business plans, formation of partnerships, troubleshooting of financial problems, and other practices for the efficient management of nonprofits.
Building Partnerships
Model Guidelines for Nonprofits
This link leads you to four pages of guidelines for proposed partnerships, ethical guidelines and questions for review.
Communication, Finance and Fundraising
Strategic Approach to Communications and Marketing
Workbook with tips for essential communication methods and development of a compelling message.
Strategic Approach to Finance and Funding
A Strategic Approach to Fund Development
Contains tips for creation of a fundraising plan, implementation of successful fundraising techniques, and building relationships with donors.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Practical Ideas for Improving Equity and Inclusion at Nonprofits from Stanford Social Innovation Review
The Board’s Role in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Board Source
Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits from National Council of Nonprofits
Evaluation and Outcome Measurement
Resources for Evaluation
The National Council of Nonprofits provides a variety of resources and tools for understanding and implementation of outcome and performance evaluation.
Evaluating Effectiveness Workbook
Displays an interactive tool for evaluating the performance of the staff, board, and leaders of an organization.
Excellence and Ethics
Standards for Excellence Institute
Guiding principles and standards for excellence in the areas of governance, financial systems, personnel practices, fundraising activities, public affairs, and more.
Panel on the Nonprofit Sector
Download the Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice: A Guide for Charities and Foundations, outlining 33 practices designed to support board members and staff leaders of every charitable organization as they work to improve their own operations.
Starting a Nonprofit
How to Start a Nonprofit
Tips on doing your research, building a solid foundation and filing for federal tax-exempt status.
Wyoming Specific Resources
Includes resources on the life cycle of public charities, links to Wyoming’s Secretary of State website and nonprofit corporation instructions and filing form.
Staff, Board & Leadership
Board and Staff Development
Contains tips for clarifying the roles and responsibilities of staff and board members and for creating systems for augmenting the effectiveness of the staff.
990 Checklist for Boards to Review Annually from Boardsource
Exceptional Board Practices
Contains a board effectiveness assessment tool and information regarding practices that successful boards utilize.
Leadership Skills Workshop
Provides information that defines elements of good leadership, describes the benefits of leading instead of managing, and contains tips for building successful teams.
Creating Healthy, Supportive Work Environments
Contains pointers for effective team-building, conflict resolution, working with different learning styles, and developing positive work environments.
Strategic and Business Planning
Business Planning For Nonprofits – What It Is And Why It Matters
Provides an in-depth study of the importance of the process of developing a business plan, in addition to the value of the actual tangible finished product. Outcomes include a more well-defined understanding of intended impacts, specific actions to employ, necessary resources, and establishing measures of performance, which are crucial to the development and successful management of a nonprofit.
Wyoming Small Business Development Center
WSBDC will help you write your business plan or provide business plan review, as well as provide free market research.
Ten Keys to Successful Strategic Planning for Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders
Clearly defines strategic planning and its benefits, while providing specific examples of key factors to consider during the development of a strategic plan. Differentiates strategic planning from other modes of planning.
Sample Business Plans (PDF downloads)
View sample business plans to collect ideas for beginning the planning process.
Strategic Approach to Change Workbook
Provides an interactive workbook for organizations to explore their own strategic planning practices. Includes reference material.