How do you run a successful NGO? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
Answer by Sarah Evans, Founder of Well Aware and Well Beyond, on Quora:
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Having started two companies, one NGO and one company serving NGO’s, I’m asked this often. It’s so important to first study the area of philanthropy in which the NGO is being launched or scaled. Understanding what is already being done, what is yielding success, what is resulting in failure, and where organizations are trending helps reveal the path to meeting the mission with less friction. Another key factor that I have observed in NGO achievements is an excellent team culture. As with any company, culture can make or break your business. Particularly in NGO work, where benefits and resources are typically less, culture can play a role in maintaining your talent and attracting more. Turnover is expensive, and, for a fledgling nonprofit, it can be the end of its growth.
This question originally appeared on Quora – the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
