by Doreen Martel

Created on: December 26, 2009   Last Updated: January 19, 2012

Non profit organizations depend on two main components to keep operating. The first component is of course money to help those who are in need of services. The second component is volunteers to help provide services and to help raise money.  A non profit organization can benefit using community outreach in both of these areas, but there are other reasons that non-profit organizations can benefit from community outreach. We will explore how non profits can benefit from community outreach for volunteers and for fund raising as well as other benefits.

Establishing priorities

Each community has individual needs that non profit organizations can help with.  By conducting a community outreach program a non profit organization can determine the best way they can serve their community.  If a non profit organization can fill a niche need they are more likely to get community support for their projects.

Establishing credibility

One of the challenges that new non profit organizations have locally is establishing their credibility.  When a non profit organization conducts a community outreach program, they get their message out faster.  Getting the message out to not only residents of the community but, reaching out to businesses in the community can help establish credibility.

Fund raising benefits

When a nonprofit organization conducts a community outreach they get their names out and known in the community.  Since most non profit organizations depend on community (as well as corporate) donation, having a strong outreach program can make fund raising easier.  More people are going to donate to a non-profit organization that is known to them than will donate to an unknown name.  Many people prefer donating money that is going to aid people in their own communities. The nonprofit organization with a strong community outreach program attracts people who are interested in helping people locally.

Volunteer benefits

While many nonprofit organizations do have paid staff members, it is often local volunteers who help the organization succeed in a community.  Those nonprofit organizations that have a strong community outreach program will find they have less problems recruiting volunteers. This is because the nonprofit will have established their reputation, the community will have a better idea of the needs of the nonprofit and you will get more people excited about the goals and objectives of the non profit.

It is critical to the survival of a nonprofit organization to have strong community outreach program. This can be done in a number of ways. Nonprofit organizations who fail to have strong community outreach programs may find they lack local support.  There are significant benefits to the community as well as to the nonprofit organization that has a strong community outreach program.

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