What’s Holding Your Nonprofit Back?

Does growth in your nonprofit often feel like a distant dream? You’ve got a mission, a dedicated team, and a community of supporters—but something keeps holding you back. That “something” often comes in the form of restraints. These can be internal or external, visible or invisible, but they all have one thing in common: they limit your potential.

The Restraints We Face

They can be practical, like tight budgets or outdated technology. Or they can be psychological, like a fear of change or a reluctance to take risks. Sometimes, they’re external, like restrictive funding requirements or a lack of public awareness. Other times, they’re internal, like a culture that’s resistant to new ideas.

It's like you’re trying to drive a car, but forgot to release the parking brake. No matter how much you press the gas pedal, you’re not going anywhere fast. Okay, perhaps not the best analogy... but close. You might be doing everything right, but you’re not getting the results you want.

Identify the Restraints

Start by taking a close look at your organization. Where are you stuck? Are there projects that never seem to get off the ground? Are you constantly struggling to meet fundraising goals? Are you finding it hard to engage volunteers?

Talk to your team, board members, and even your supporters. Their perspectives can help you see things you might have missed. And don’t forget to look at your data—numbers don’t lie. If donations have plateaued or your social media engagement is low, these could be signs that something is holding you back.

Reframe Your Thinking

Sometimes, we get so used to the way things are that we don’t realize they could be different. You might assume that your small budget means you can’t invest in new technology. Or you might believe that your donors wouldn’t support a new type of program. But what if you’re wrong?

Take a moment to challenge these assumptions. What if you could find a way to afford that technology? What if your donors would be excited to support something new? Often, the restraints we see are really just walls we’ve built in our minds.

Take Calculated Risks

Growth often requires risk. But that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. Instead, think about taking calculated risks—risks that have been thoughtfully considered and strategically planned.

For example, maybe you’ve always relied on one or two big fundraisers each year. But what if you tried something new, like a peer-to-peer campaign? Yes, it’s a risk, but it’s also an opportunity to engage your community in a new way.

Or perhaps you’ve been hesitant to invest in new technology because of the upfront costs. But what if that investment could save you time and money in the long run? By taking the time to weigh the pros and cons, you can make decisions that push your organization forward without putting it in jeopardy.

Foster a Culture of Innovation

One of the biggest restraints in any organization is a culture that resists change. If your team is stuck in a “we’ve always done it this way” mindset, it’s time for a shake-up. Encourage innovation by creating an environment where new ideas are welcomed and tested.

This doesn’t mean throwing out everything that’s working. It means being open to trying new things, even if they don’t always pan out. Maybe you experiment with a new volunteer recruitment strategy. If it works, great! If not, you’ve learned something valuable.

Build Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Maybe there’s another nonprofit in your area that shares a similar mission. By working together, you can pool resources and expertise to achieve something neither of you could do alone.

Partnerships don’t have to be with other nonprofits. Corporations, government agencies, and consultants can be valuable allies. The key is to find partners whose strengths complement your own.

Embrace Flexibility

The world is changing faster than ever, and nonprofits need to be able to pivot quickly when necessary. This might mean shifting your focus, adjusting your strategies, or even rethinking your mission.

There's no need to abandon your core values or mission. Just be willing to adapt in order to stay relevant and effective. When you’re flexible, you’re better able to respond to challenges and seize opportunities.

I'm not going to pretend that shedding restraints is easy. It takes time. It takes effort. And sometimes a bit of courage. But the rewards are worth it. When you let go of what’s holding you back, you open up a world of possibilities. You’ll find new ways to fulfill your mission, engage your community, and grow your impact.