After you see the problem, find out if it is a local problem, regional or national. then back it up with data or statistics. Why? because somewhere along the way your donors or grant-makers will ask you “How do you know that?” in a needs statement or an application. They will want third-party data to back up what you see and feel because they are investing in you and your solution.  Can you imagine an investor giving you $25,000 dollars for your program because you “feel” it’s a great idea? give people who believe in you a little more to work with and they will reward you.

 Is there really competition in the nonprofit world? Before embarking on a new program I always look into what my fellow nonprofit partners are doing. On one hand, they are my competitors and on the other, they are the people that help my clients when I don’t have the resources.  In the nonprofit world, it’s a mixed bag so the best thing is to concentrate on your own programs but be very aware of what others do. Why should you care? Because there is only a limited amount of money available to fund programs and several agencies are competing for that money. When you raise money then your programs continue, expenses are met and jobs are secured.  so if you build a program make sure you don’t duplicate services. You want to find out what your competitor is NOT doing and then fill the gap for your customers or clients.

 Part of developing and building a good program is finding someone with experience.  You won’t know everything so you need the help of the people who you serve. Run the program specifics by them and see if it works and how they will use it. Take a simple operation of giving blankets to homeless people. I learned from the homeless that while they appreciate all the help the design of a blanket was important in keeping them warm as well as being able to be carried, rolled or folded easily into their backpacks or carriers. (like camping gear) Now we are able to communicate the design needs to people who make and donate these items.