Managing a nonprofit organization can be a challenging task. It takes passion and drive to create, refine, and implement programs that serve the community or members. Whether it’s a trade association of Delaware dentists or an organization that delivers supplemental educational services to Wilmington’s youth, the challenges are many. For example, managing volunteers, attracting members, securing funding, managing programs and creating new ones are all challenges nonprofit face. As an organization grows and matures, it’s necessary to have access to resources and tools to help navigate the process. The good news for Delaware area nonprofits is that there are a variety of programs and resources available to help nourish and sustain organizations. To help these groups, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman has compiled a shortlist of Delaware area associations and organizations along with a summary of the programs and resources provided.

Delaware Nonprofit Resources

• Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools – The Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) represents 130 of the Greater Philadelphia region’s most highly acclaimed private schools in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) – The Brandywine Chapter of the AFP focuses on advancing the fundraising and philanthropy for the public good in Delaware. AFP is a member organization that provides the opportunity for skills development, access to a mentoring program, and networking opportunities. They also offer member “pop-up” programs that are approved for CFRE education credits. Their website features an online forum where members can connect and share best practices, job posting board, and a chapter scholarship program.
• Better Business Bureau of Delaware (BBB) – The BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by setting standards, encouraging and supporting best practices by engaging with and educating consumers and businesses, creating marketplace role models, addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.
• Center for Community Research & Service – The Center provides technical assistance, training and management support to Delaware community organizations and government entities. They focus on public health, healthcare services, and community leadership and development. In fact, they host Public Allies Delaware, which prepares future nonprofit leaders and conducts research on economic issues that impact lower-income communities such as hunger, nutrition, homelessness, and more. The Center offers various educational programs, including the Nonprofit Management Certificate, which provides essential training for nonprofit management.
• Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) – DANA is committed to enhancing and strengthening nonprofits by providing low-cost education, consulting, and support to nonprofit leaders and boards of directors. DANA offers a variety of educational programs, including training workshops and an annual Board Chair and CEO Seminar. In addition, there is a wealth of research and resources for various aspects of nonprofit administration, including fundraising, advocacy, and operational best practices. Members receive the additional benefit of access to DANA’s career center, retirement benefit solution, Grantstation annual subscription discount, human resource solutions, and more!
• Mid Atlantic Society of Association Executives (MASAE) – MASAE is a regional association of professionals (including Delaware) who manage associations, societies, and nonprofit organizations. They offer a variety of educational programs, including CAE-approved courses, which includes access to live webinar and self-paced study programs. In addition, members enjoy access to various resources such as the association blog filled with best practices and the job bank. There are multiple events throughout the year which allow for networking and relationship development. This is a good organization for association professionals seeking to refine and expand their knowledge while growing their professional network.
• The Partnership – This organization is the nonprofit affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and promotes charitable and educational activities through programs that encourage private sector involvement in workforce development and education. The main programs offered include Superstars in Education and Delaware Principal for Day. Beyond this, there are a number of networking and educational events sponsored by the Chamber to help advance area organizations.

Other Useful Nonprofit Resources

Below is a list of educational programs, data resources, and publications, both in Delaware and nationally, that may be of value to your Delaware nonprofit organization.

• National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) – NCCS is a portal for nonprofit management, researchers, and policymakers to access and review published research. The information collected and analyzed impacts the whole scope of nonprofits including charities, associations, foundations, and more. Recent projects include Largest Organizations by Subsector, Top 10 Lists by Assets, and The Nonprofit Sector in Brief.
• Nonprofit Quarterly (NPQ) – This is an independent, nonprofit news organization serving nonprofit executives, charitable foundations, educators and other in the civil sector. While the NPQ publishes a written magazine, the website provides access to a variety of resources including best practices in fundraising, management, and policy. In addition, they offer various premium webinars on a variety of topics important to nonprofits.
• Nonprofit Ledger – A blog hosted by Belfint, Lyons & Shuman tackling various nonprofit accounting topics, issues, and challenges impacting Delaware organizations. There are 9 years of insight and analysis offered, and nonprofit executives, managers, and board members can subscribe to have new insights delivered directly to their email. A good resource for those interested in learning more about nonprofit accounting and compliance best practices.
• Nonprofit Risk Management Center – The Center inspires effective risk management in the nonprofit sector. They focus on helping leaders identify and manage the risk that threatens their missions, operations, and human resources while empowering leaders to leverage opportunities. Members have access to unlimited risk management help (via phone), best practice webinars, discounts on risk management plans and their annual Risk Summit.

Contact Us

Managing an organization can be challenging but very rewarding. It’s helpful to have access to the resources, tools, and programs provided by the groups outlined above and others like. If you have questions about the resources highlighted above or need assistance with a nonprofit tax, accounting or audit issue, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman can help! For additional information call us at 305.225.0600 or click here to contact us. We look forward to speaking with you soon.