A nonprofit business is a unique structure. As such, it needs a unique counseling style. 

If you have heard the term “nonprofit business coach” or “nonprofit business counseling,” you might be wondering where it fits into the coaching world and just what it means. 

A nonprofit business, much like any other business organization, may have strategic, administrative, financial or operational struggles. Oftentimes, having the fresh perspective of an outside professional can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to addressing these organizational struggles.

What is a nonprofit business?

In the United States, a nonprofit organization is a business entity which has established itself as a nonprofit entity at the state level and that has received tax-exempt status granted by the IRS following the completion of Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. Nonprofits are established with a primary purpose of making a positive impact on the world around them, locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, and it’s this primary purpose that distinguishes nonprofit organizations from their for-profit counterparts. Nonprofits tend to generate a majority of their revenue via contributions or donations upon which they will pay no taxes, though an increasing number of nonprofits are offering goods and/ or services in exchange for fees in order to generate what is called earned revenue. 

What makes nonprofit business coaching unique?

A nonprofit organization is required to have a board of directors which will play a vital role across the life of the nonprofit. This role may vary slightly depending on the stage of development of the nonprofit, however the aspirations of the nonprofit cannot move forward easily and efficiently without having a board that supports the organization’s mission, vision and sort- and long-term goals. As such, it is not uncommon that an organization’s board of directors will require a review and potential overhaul. 

The investment from the board members, volunteers, and staff members is often more emotionally charged than a typical business, especially within a ministry-based organization. A nonprofit business coach needs to be able to respectfully unpack those emotional ties and help team members recognize the importance of focusing on the overall mission and vision in order to achieve the deepest, most sustainable organizational impact. 

Here are just a few areas where a coach might engage the team in order to bring clarity and organize action:

  • Helping them to organize their current and future priorities, strategies and tactics 
  • Understanding the individual and organizational challenges
  • Setting clear individual, team and organizational expectations
  • Engaging a diverse set of stakeholders to glean the wisdom of the group
  • Leadership development planning for leaders at all levels
  • Create and implement a clear succession & continuity plan
  • Creating a plan for individual and team growth and organizational development

Nonprofits are usually created with the idea that they can make a positive impact and change the world in some meaningful way. As long as there are societal problems to solve, we will need nonprofits to bring their collective passions to bear towards leading the change they wish to see. However, sometimes all of the passion can muddy the waters and get in the way of making sound business decisions. A nonprofit business coach or counselor can help to crystalize exactly what it takes to apply this passion so the organization can do the most good. 

The support a nonprofit business coach offers a company can empower the team to reassess their mission and refocus their vision in consideration of how the organization should move forward in activating their plan to make the world a better place. Coaching is a long-term investment that can result in a profound return on investment when all involved parties make the necessary commitment and work together to achieve their common vision.

Are you ready to take your organization to the next level? We’ve got you covered.

Contact EPIC Mission today to set up your free consultation.