From marketing and communications to finance, human resources and accounting, a typical nonprofit employee needs to be versatile because she is often asked to perform a variety of roles within the organization.
It’s essential that boards of directors and managers commit to supporting their employees in their daily tasks by offering them training and professional development opportunities.
It’s a known fact: organizations that invest in their staff, particularly in training and professional development, are better prepared to face the many challenges in the nonprofit sector and are better equipped to fulfill their mission.
It’s easy to find excuses!
Completely absorbed in daily tasks, it’s common to hear nonprofit employees say that they simply don’t have the time to take training, even if the desire is present. The solution? Simply make it a priority and put it on the agenda! Espace idées offers many short workshops and even webinars, which easily fit into a busy schedule. 😉
Tight budgets is another factor that forces organizations to make difficult choices and limit training opportunities. In an effort to reduce administrative costs, training is often one of the first budget lines to be cut. However, all organizations have objectives to meet, whether in terms of fund development, communications, visibility, etc. If the training is directly related to one of these objectives, there will certainly be a return on investment.
Therefore, investing time and money in training pays off!
Not convinced yet?
- The philanthropic sector is in constant evolution!
The field of philanthropy has changed a lot in the last 10 years. New technologies and different generations of donors mean a shifting sector. Funding is solicited using new methods and nonprofits must adapt. The best way to do this is to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools through training.
- Employees are motivated to excel!
Every employee wants to evolve and feel that she has the necessary skills to face different challenges in the charitable sector. Training increases the effectiveness of employees, including developing their ability to perform required tasks and providing the confidence needed to take on new demands.
- Donor confidence must be earned!
An organization that places a high value on learning by budgeting for annual training and professional development for its employees, is demonstrating great professionalism. As a result, donor confidence is more easily achieved.
- An investment for the entire team!
When an employee receives training, the whole team benefits. The new knowledge acquired is passed on to other employees, which can only be beneficial to the organization as a whole.
- An organization’s true asset!
Recognition through training is a key element. When an organization allows a member of their team to register for a workshop, webinar or conference that interests them, they invest in that employee and show their appreciation. She feels that she plays an important role within the nonprofit and is more likely to remain loyal to her employer. Also, productivity and performance increase, because the employee wants to demonstrate the relevance of the training received.
- Nonprofits can encourage each other!
We often talk about it at Espace idées. It is essential to help each other within the nonprofit sector (click here to read an article on this subject). Training is a great opportunity to meet representatives from other organizations, which can lead to very interesting exchanges and perhaps even future partnerships.
Click hereto consult the Espace idées training opportunities. You’ll almost certainly find workshops that are relevant for you and other members of your organization. 😉
