7 Challenges To Overcome With Nonprofit Training Software
The key difference between nonprofits and for-profits isn’t necessarily income levels. NGOs can make just as much money as other corporates. But instead of channeling it into private pockets, it goes towards fulfilling the organization’s mission. And this aspect brings a certain measure of difficulty. Fortunately, these problems are easily resolved if you just know how. Let’s look at some of the unique obstacles that NGOs face and tips to use nonprofit training software to resolve them (within budget).
1. Public Apathy
In many cases, NGOs step in where the public (or local government) has failed. They might, for example, provide food and water during a drought, or education to marginalized areas. But for many governments—especially in the third world—this takes them off the hook. While the NGO is intended to supplement government efforts, these state bodies rely on NGOs to take up the task. And this puts more pressure on the NGOs themselves. Using online portals, not-for-profits can leverage their benefits to the government; e.g., as data sources or donor beacons.
2. Global Access
Once the government sees how the NGO directly benefits…the government (as opposed to just helping the beneficiaries) it’ll pay attention. So, they’ll get more involved. But on the subject of donors, volunteers, and overseas partners, it can be hard to stay in touch. Whether it’s time zones, language barriers, or physical distance, NGO staff (and their wards) can feel isolated. The online training software can provide translations, subtitles, and captions. Partners abroad can observe and engage in real time via video conferencing and online phone calls. It’s crucial for transparency and accountability. Another LMS for NGO feature to consider is different instances of the platform. For example, you can create unique portals for every region or group.
3. Limited Funds
Donor-driven organizations always risk running out of money, especially if staff members see it as an opportunity to make some. Online training platforms can present a meaningful display of the organization’s projects and activities. This can invite contributors because they’re impressed by the work you’re doing. Online training is also an affordable training module for the organization’s targets. Staff, volunteers, and community members can all acquire skills that generate income and plug the deficit. They can scour the web for viable ideas and concepts.
4. Outsourcing Expertise
Corporates love consultants and will readily pay thousands of dollars for a few hours of their time. NGOs need expert advice too, but they don’t always have the budget for it. Online training portals help the organization create a body of work. This can be used to persuade experts to volunteer their time. An article, a video, or a lecture in exchange for being on the NGO’s honor roll. Form virtual networks to approach and invite experts. Build a brand and reputation they want to be associated with. Court their need for scaled CSR.
5. Strategic Planning
Most of the time, the seed for NGOs comes from idealists who were deeply moved and genuinely idealistic. They may have impulsively decided to dig a well, start a school, or launch solar power. The idea seems simple. And in some cases, the founder starts it up, then leaves their staff to figure things out. Online training tools can help recruits chart the next few steps. They push the project past that initial spurt and carry on for decades to come. They also ensure resources get channeled at the right pace, scope, and direction.
6. Erroneous Outlook
There’s a theory about gifted people who feel guilty taking money for something they love. It’s what makes it hard for so many of us to earn money from our hobbies. And it’s an affliction that infects charity organizations too. Because they’re so eager to remain non-profit, they end up making a loss. In reality, NGOs should follow corporate principles. They do need maximal revenue and extreme cost-cutting to ensure as many funds as possible trickle down. The bulk of expenditure should be for beneficiaries, not running costs. And this requires the type of shark mentality that keeps top corporates profitable—without affecting the quality of assistance. Nonprofit training software helps NGOs deliver training while improving resource allocation. You can use reports to shore up your strategy and reduce costs so that everyone gets personalized support tools.
7. Fear Of Success
This last one seems almost laughable, but it’s a legitimate issue. Some team members may subconsciously sabotage their own efforts. They might go slow when they realize they’re about to achieve their mandates. Or they may thrive, then collapse their organization with unwise expansion once they reach their targets. Online training can help them grow strategically, stretching activities at a pace that matches resources. Rather than growing overnight, they can stagger their reach to promote (non-opportunistic) longevity and sustainable results.
Nonprofit Training Software Advantages
The main problems that NGOs face are disinterest from the public and global barriers (e.g. language and time zones). They might have trouble raising funds, planning strategically, luring expensive experts, or setting up ongoing revenue streams. Also, they might be so good (or have such limited scope) that they soon run out of work. LMS for nonprofits can solve all this. Building a solid accountability cache on their website can attract donors, voluntary consultants, government researchers, and non-monetary contributors. Best of all, they can create a far-reaching project plan to keep the not-for-profit thriving for centuries.
Does your NGO need nonprofit training software to keep team members informed and improve fundraising efforts? Download our guide for tips on how to choose and use the best LMS for your nonprofit. You can also search our online directory to start a shortlist of top choices for your team. It includes product features, spec support, support services, and other key factors you need to make a cost-effective decision.
