Planning ahead for when executive directors, board members, or staff leave helps organizations stay stable. People will eventually finish their terms, move on, or retire. When an organization has a succession plan in place, work can continue smoothly and performance stays strong, even during changes.
Below are a few helpful resources for nonprofits that want to plan ahead for leadership changes. These tools offer guidance, examples, and templates to support transitions when staff or board lea
Before deciding to become a nonprofit, think about whether this is the best way to reach your group’s goals. Consider what organizations already exist in your community and how much time and energy your group can realistically put into running a nonprofit.
It can help to write down and answer questions like:
Why do we need a new nonprofit?
Who are we trying to serve, and do they trust us?
Is another group already doing something similar?
What unique viewpoint or approach would we
