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Dear Oaklyn Consulting,
I need advice. My husband and I started a nonprofit three years ago. We have secured funding and have been able to make an immediate impact in our community. However, we’ve experienced some health challenges and don’t have the time or energy to devote to the organization. How do we find the right person who can carry the nonprofit forward?
From Oaklyn Consulting
First, thank you for devoting your last three years toward the betterment of your community. We’re sorry to hear that your health is making it difficult to continue. The good news is that by establishing a succession plan for your organization, you have one additional opportunity to make a positive impact by setting it on course to keep flourishing long into the future.
Similar to the leaders of for-profit organizations, nonprofit leaders have a number of succession options available to them, based on what they feel is right for their particular situation. If an existing employee has the makings of a leader, you might consider promoting them and beginning the process of grooming them for the job. You might need to search externally for the right person, and at Oaklyn Consulting, we can assist in that process, in coordination with trusted HR consultants and search firms whom we’ve worked with in the past.
Sometimes, being merging your organization into another nonprofit, or even a for-profit company, can allow a nonprofit’s mission to continue. Similarly, you might consider mergering, forming a long-term partnership with or “acquiring” another organization with a talented leader who could eventually assume your role. These types of business combinations are a specialty of ours at Oaklyn Consulting.
Only you know the right choice for your nonprofit, but we’re glad to be your sounding board as you assess options and make a final decision.
