Why Your Organization Should Consider a Professional Development Budget
For many people that start a new career, they do not necessarily have all the skills that they need right away. This can be especially true for those in the nonprofit sector where many pursue their passions of helping and contributing to their communities, but also find (sometimes surprisingly) that a large part of their job is fundraising, for which they have no training. As the sector evolves, many organizations have realized that both government and private fundraising has become less available and more competitive. Thus, professional development will become even more important.
What is professional development?
Professional development refers to education and training that a person receives after entering the workforce. With constant changes in technology and new trends, professional development allows nonprofits to stay current within their field and perform at a higher level of competency and efficiency. In fact, the most recent results from the the Canadian Survey of Business Conditions (CSBC) noted that less than half of nonprofit employers reported that their staff had all the skills necessary to be fully effective in their current position. However, professional development in the nonprofit sector is not always prioritized due to lack of resources, time, and budget constraints. In this article we’ll discuss the benefits of professional development and how to overcome resource challenges at your organization.
Benefits of continuous learning for nonprofit professionals
Seeking out learning opportunities to develop new skills can prepare those in the nonprofit for future opportunities, and continual learning provides many benefits to nonprofit professionals.
Benefits of professional development include:
Staying current with nonprofit trends. Professional development is a great way to stay up-to-date on the constantly evolving trends of the nonprofit sector. From data-driven fundraising strategies, to the rise in artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT which has the potential to write fundraising proposals. Nonprofit staff and volunteers can use professional development and training opportunities to learn new ways to help make their work more efficient, expand their understanding of the sector, and adopt new technology.
Retain staff (and volunteers). Staff and volunteers are essential to the work that nonprofits and charities do. Retaining staff and volunteers is a high priority for organizations in the sector, and it has been shown that staff that are provided with opportunities to have continuous learning are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Furthermore, it allows organizations to promote their staff from within the organization as their qualifications and skills increase versus hiring employees externally.
Preventing Burnout. Nonprofit work can be challenging, even in the best of times. Burnout can affect many people who work in the nonprofit sector, and it sometimes goes unaddressed. Many organizations in the sector have small teams, small budgets, and are often expected to do the work of a much larger team with very limited resources. Ongoing professional development can allow organizations to learn strategies that not only help to manage stress, but allows them to do their work effectively.
Expanding your network. Whether you take courses virtually or in person these sessions can help build your network with other organizations that are doing similar work to you. Especially during workshops that are interactive, and have group work it allows you to discuss your current challenges, and see how other organizations are solving that problem. Additionally, workshops can often connect your team to trainers and consultants that provide custom training for nonprofit teams. Hiring a consultant can allow teams to access customized training for several on the team, or the entire staff and board on a specific topic that is of interest to your organization’s goals.
What is a reasonable professional development budget?
The budget for professional development will vary from organization to organization. However, there are many training options available from free webinars and online courses, to customized sessions for your team. A budget of $500 is often sufficient to provide at least one member of your team access to a conference, workshop, or even a series of short training sessions . Furthermore, even if your organization does not have a budget, many funders will provide grants that support organizations with their professional development under a capacity building initiative.
What kinds of professional development should our organization consider?
There are many different types of professional development and the type that you choose for your team will depend on your current situation and the goals for your organization. Here are some different types of professional development that you may decide to engage in.
Webinar. Webinars can be a great option for several reasons. First, they tend to be free or low-cost due to the fact that they are usually aimed at a larger audience with a broad topic. Since they are virtual, they can be done from the comfort of your home. Additionally, some are on-demand which is great for those who need a little more flexibility in their schedule.
Workshop. Workshops can be conducted virtually or in person. Where webinars are aimed at a broader audience, workshops typically focus on a specific topic, with a smaller group of participants. Because the instructor speaks more extensively on the topic there is typically a cost due to the development of the material. However, the trade off is often access to a trainer or consultant with significant knowledge to share.
External course. Courses are a great option for those who need in-depth study on a subject, or if they are pursuing a certification that is required for their position. Cost can vary significantly depending on the course or if it is self or instructor led.
Custom workshop. Custom workshops are an excellent solution if your team is looking to solve an immediate problem. This can be a great option for organizations bringing on a group of new board members, several new staff, or those nonprofits that simply want the ability to train a group regarding a new initiative or strategy the organization will be pursuing.
Conferences. Conferences can last anywhere from one to several days and be offered as virtual, hybrid or in person. This flexibility can help organizations with a small budget or the inability to travel to the conference destination. The benefits of a conference are access to many industry professionals, opportunities to network with others in the field, and an increase in morale and energy for staff and/or volunteers that attend.
The strength of nonprofit organizations lies in their people. By making professional development a high priority your organization can secure a more promising future for everyone involved. With continuous learning for the team, nonprofits can enhance their overall performance, and foster an environment that encourages growth and improvement, which can lead to greater impact on the communities that they serve.
If you are interested in professional development opportunities for your team, here are some free and cost-effective options:
Story Point Consulting: Check our workshops page for on-demand and upcoming training opportunities.
CharityVillage Learning Centre: CharityVillage has multiple training opportunities for nonprofit organizations. Numerous nonprofit professionals from around the sector have contributed to the many courses, articles, webinars and podcasts on a variety of topics.
United Way Winnipeg Learning Centre: The Learning Centre at the United Way Winnipeg offers high-quality, and affordable learning opportunities for nonprofit professionals to advance their skills. Workshops are offered in virtual and in-person formats.