Movies, cars, restaurants and hotels all have product reviews, so why shouldn't nonprofits have them too? Nowadays. consumer reviews are so important for decision-making. When was the last time you bought something (in-store or online) without researching or looking at reviews? Well, Katie Taft of insideGood brings product reviews to nonprofit organizations. Feedback is so crucial for volunteers, nonprofit leaders and donors. Large nonprofits often have systematic ways of gathering feedback, now small nonprofits can benefit from feedback quickly and easily.
How feedback benefits nonprofit organizations small to large
1. Step out of the day-to-day
Taking the time for an objective look at organization operations is especially important when you’re small. With so few staff members, it’s easy to get stuck in day-to-day routines. There are fewer newcomers or operation changes that raise questions about direction, growth and opportunities. Scheduling occasions for feedback over the course of the year can help initiate these discussions.
2. Give Space to Unspoken Concerns
It's quite common to become so busy with what you’re doing, that you forget about the things that bother you and just "deal". You may not even realize that others in the organization feel the same way and are "dealing" too! Giving staff members the time to submit feedback offers them an opportunity to bring to light the trouble spots that are not "show-stoppers" but aren’t working as well as they could. Reviewing the feedback as a group provides the perfect time to create a plan that will resolve these issues.
3. Establish Continuity
Small organizations typically have 1-2 committed employees and a steady stream of supporters that pass through the organization. These volunteers gain valuable organization knowledge and insight. If it is not documented, this information must be re-created for the next volunteer that comes through. Documenting feedback from these volunteers is an important way to maintain continuity and to track their observations. This prevents re-work and gives all members an understanding of the organization's directions and accomplishments.
4. Develop Unique Marketing
All organizations are interested in attracting passionate donors and the best volunteers. Feedback offers a unique way to demonstrate to these audiences just how well you do what you do. You can use the feedback scores or comments in marketing materials, solicitations and much more. This is a compelling and transparent way to demonstrate your effectiveness to would-be supporters and to those who are already involved with your organization.
To make the feedback collection an easy process, try using pre-formatted survey tools and systems, like insideGOOD, SurveyMonkey, or SurveyGizmo. Even in small organizations, feedback can uncover valuable ideas that will help pave your path to success!
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Katie Taft is the CEO of insideGOOD, an online nonprofit ratings and feedback management site, where individuals can rate their experiences working with, or donating to, nonprofits from across the U.S.
