Constituency for Nonprofits

[MSONGA The Consultant]

Constituencies are the interested parties within a nonprofits' cycle which include stakeholders currently involved with the organization, those who have been previously involved, and those with the potential for future organization. They can be boards, departments, volunteers, fundraising participants, donors. One thing all these constituencies have in common is that they tend to be very passionate.

Before making a big decision, it is imperative for a nonprofit leader to think through her key constituencies gauging potential reaction. Determine what channels their passion and see how that can align with her organization vision.

Some organizations have natural constituencies who are readily identifiable and easily accessible. Schools, universities and colleges have students and alumni. Hospitals have patients who often referred as "grateful patients". Arts organizations have members, patrons and audience.

Nonprofits without natural constituencies still have them, it is due to the fact that every organization has its own constituency.

The board, the senior management team and major donors ideally make form the core of organization constituencies. The board hold the organization in public trust and is responsible for the mission, vision and policies of the organization. The management team carries out the organization's programs, while major donors don't only demonstrate their commitment towards an organization, but also they serve as advocate of the organization's mission. Other organizations in this form of constituency involve alumni boards, alumni committee, and friend of the organization.

Volunteers, clients receiving organization service/beneficiaries, employees and general donors who moderately contribute and organization's members form a second circle of organization constituencies. This group is important to organization because it provides a broad base of support.

Former donors, and other former participants form a third circle of organization constituencies. Although they are former, the group holds potential for reactivation and renewed involvement.

The way constituency of a nonprofit interact with the organization is that; the closer to the center of the organization, the greater the energy, the stronger the bond to the organization.

OMAR MSONGA
CONSULTANT
Project Management, Strategy, Fundraising & Training
Call: +255 719 518 367
Email: omarmsonga8@gmail.com
DAR ES SALAAM
TANZANIA