Executive Director Linda Dunphy and Doorways Board Chair Nicholas Evans accept the award in 2009
Last Wednesday I attended the 2010 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management ceremony as the representative from Doorways, the 2009 award winner. It was a great honor to meet this year’s five finalists.
I was delighted to hear each of them talk about the many best practices and innovative solutions that had earned them the coveted spot as a finalist. Everyone knows that a nonprofit exists to serve clients. What is less often talked about is that effectively serving clients requires strong, strategic and adaptable management structures.
A nonprofit should always be focused on how to best fulfill its mission. HOW a nonprofit does that—and how it adapts to changes, challenges, risks, and opportunities—is often overlooked.
Last year, Doorways received this award based on, among other things, the following management practices:
- Written policies and procedures used by the entire agency
- Strategic investments in fundraising staff to increase the return-on-investment for each position
- Incentives for green ways of commuting
- Strong practices for controlling risk and a business continuity plan
I applaud the Center for Nonprofit Advancement and The Washington Post for recognizing outstanding management among our region’s nonprofits. I also offer a standing ovation to all five finalists and in particular, to this year’s award winner, the PHILLIPS Programs for Children & Families.
Among the practices Phillips was recognized for include:
- Extensive staff development programs
- Effective management of corporate volunteers, providing them with an “authentic experience”
- Financial risk management and assessments
- Online project collaboration to manage complex tasks involving multiple stakeholders
Congratulations PHILLIPS and welcome to the distinguished family of Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management recipients!
–Scott Perkins, Development Director
Tags: Doorways
Caroline Jones
