Today, there are more nonprofits in the USA than ever before. Last year, 1.8 million mission-based organizations were striving to have a positive impact. While many organizations meet their missions and are successful, others struggle or even close for various reasons. 

In this article, we offer six tips to help nonprofits thrive by fostering an environment of success. 

An old saying is that you are only as good as your weakest link. When nonprofit leadership is thoughtful about creating and maintaining a successful team, there will not be any weak links. Everyone has specific skills and natural abilities that can make a positive contribution when identified, encouraged, and nurtured.

Nonprofit leadership has a unique opportunity to create dynamic, mission-based staff. Because most people who work for nonprofits believe in the organization's mission, personal power can emerge, which ignites a unique drive. As Margaret Mead always said:

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. It is the only thing that ever has.” 

Yes, there are other key ingredients, like an engaged Board, yet here, we want to focus on the importance of creating a dynamic staff culture. When leadership has the tools to ignite the flame of creativity and success in our staff, there is nothing we cannot do. 

We must value, cherish, and inspire our employees so they are motivated to do their best.  

Pro-Tip #1

Take staff on retreat to get out of the office, clear the mind, get inspired and refocus with new inspiration on the mission. Consider planning a retreat mid-week so staff do not have to miss their weekend. 

Pro-Tip #2

Find an event space with plenty of areas for indoor and outdoor Team-Building activities, and plan activities (or hire a facilitator to do so) that are inclusive of your whole staff. 
 

Pro-Tip:#3

Look into Nonprofit Camp & Retreat Center’s near you for nonprofit pricing and excellent service since they know exactly how to serve you.

Nonprofit Retreat Centers

Midwest Locations

Frankfort, Michigan - Crystal Conference Center

East Coast Locations

Centerville, Cape Cod, Massachusetts - Craigville Retreat Center

California Locations

Livermore - Camp Arroyo
Applegate - Applegate JRC
Aptos - Monte Toyon Camp
Foresthill - CGC Camp
Wilseyville - Calaveras County, Camp Lodestar
San Bernardino Mountains - Loch Leven Camp & Retreat Center

Western Locations
Allenspark, Colorado - Highlands Camp & Retreat Center
Crestone, Colorado - Blazing Mountain Retreat Center

Pro-Tip #4

Download the free Nonprofit Retreat Agenda created by our in-house professional who has led hundreds of nonprofit retreats and offers sage advice. 

Pro-Tip #5

Organic interactions offsite can improve productivity back at work. 

Pro-Tip #6

Create a Talent Show to showcase staff’s hidden talents. Make sure to ask for ideas and garner input from everyone, Could there be a poet in the midst? A magician?  

Why Have an Offsite Retreat? 

• Organizational retreats help staff get focused 

• Excellent for team building  

• Excellent resource for team bonding  

• It is a terrific way to get some facetime when many people work remotely 

• The break in normal routine gets creativity flowing 

• Generates motivation and can re-invigorate teams 

To ask our in-house specialist specific questions about planning a retreat click here.

3 Day Nonprofit Retreat Agenda

Printable Nonprofit Retreat Agenda

Day 1 

4:00PM Arrive and Settle In  

6:30PM - Gather for Opening Address and Introduction Activities

7:00PM - Dinner

8:00PM - Karaoke | Group Activity 

9:30PM - Closing Circle 

Day 2 

8:00AM - Breakfast 

9:00AM - Team Building Activity 

9:45AM - Group Activity | Discussion Future Planning 

11:00AM - Free Time 

12:00PM - Lunch

1:00PM - Free Time or Optional Activity 

2:00PM - Group Activity | Discussion on Future Planning Continued

6:00PM - Dinner

7:00PM - Meditation | Prayer Time | Rest Time

8:00PM - Make your own Ice Cream Sundaes 

9:30PM - Closing Activity 

Day 3 

8:00AM - Breakfast 

9:00AM - Group Activity | Discussion Future Planning Action Items 

10:00AM - Free Time 

12:00PM - Closing 

12:30PM - Lunch 

2:00PM - Departure 
 

Free Time Activities Ideas 

• Craft Art Circle 

• Archery 

• Pool Time 

• Share Stories on Patio Chairs 

• Forest Bathing (Walking in Nature) 

• Disc Golf

• Ping Pong

• Air Hockey Table

• Zip Lining

• Basketball

• Low Ropes Course