For new organizations, and those that have been “getting by” with very small budgets for a long period of time, this may sound impossible. However, it is the Board’s moral responsibility to see that those under their care, especially the Executive Director, are treated with dignity and respect, and that their gifts are developed. If the Board models this with the Executive Director, that treatment will hopefully be modeled with the rest of the staff and with volunteers. When this happens, you will see the fruits – in the “blossoming” of staff and the greater growth and effectiveness of the organization.

Stepping out in faith may be the way that a new or small organization moves from small salary and benefits to providing a better compensation package for the Executive Director. A committed donor might be convinced to fund a “capacity-building” plan that allows the organization to upgrade office space and equipment and raise the salary of the Executive Director. As with all growth, what is needed is turning it over to the Lord, taking one small step forward, and following with one more step at a time as the Lord blesses.

 

Growth opportunities can be provided in many ways: mentoring of the Executive Director by an executive on the Board or perhaps a donor, community workshops provided by local foundations or United Way, a line item in the annual budget to send the Executive Director and key staff (plus two or more Board members!) to a major Heartbeat International training event (International Conference, Executive Roundtable, or Leadership Institute). Some of the Annual Conference training is available in a format that can be accessed by a group of staff members on-site at your organization. Training courses are also available through Heartbeat Academy.

A commitment to on-site training of Board and/or staff every few years is a tremendous way to nurture your center. Heartbeat International Consultants can come to you! Strategic Planning, organizational assessment, LOVE Approach^TM, and other opportunities are provided by Heartbeat International on site.

A prayer retreat for Board and Executive Director (and perhaps include other staff leaders) is a blessing that can be provided by a local pastor or priest (or both!). Use your creativity to provide a variety of training and support opportunities for your leadership team and for your staff.

Local training events also provide an excellent networking opportunity for Board members and Executive Director (and staff) with other nonprofits in the local community and, in the case of Heartbeat International events, with similar ministries all over the world.

The new relationships, plus renewed enthusiasm and the spiritual renewal that result from such events, make these very wise investments in your organizational growth and Mission. 

Nurturing is key to fulfilling your Mission and working toward your Vision for a culture of Life in your own community. It is also a major responsibility of your Board to feed this ministry of the Lord.

 

Board Activity
At a Board meeting, discuss how your organization is doing at present with professional development and support for your own leadership team (Board and Executive Director) and for the rest of your staff. What do you have currently in place? Do all of you have the training and support to grow and develop more knowledge and skills, and become even better laborers in the vineyard of the Lord? If more attention is due to this aspect of Nurturing, how will you move forward? (Who does what, and when?)