Presenting to a board of directors is always a little tricky, but presentations to a nonprofit board present their own special challenges. Since a nonprofit organization’s aim is to benefit society and not to earn profits, its board members are especially careful about how they manage their funds. It’s vital for them to fund projects that will have maximum impact per dollar and that will further the nonprofit’s mission. If you are the head of a special project or the communications head, you need to create powerful presentations to sell your ideas.
When you are preparing a presentation to a nonprofit board, whether it be for a new initiative or a yearly financial report, you need to prepare intensely and include the following steps:
- Preview financials with the finance committee
- Provide an overview to the board of the project status
- Present the information in multiple ways
Want to know more about how to nail a board meeting presentation? Follow these tips.
Preview financials with the finance committee
Your team may be responsible for either a huge fundraising effort or a smaller endeavor, but in any instance, you need to have your financial figures correct. That means using software that simplifies the creation and delivery of the presentation by delivering accurate data.
You also need to practice presenting your financial reports in an easy-to-understand manner. To make certain you are properly prepared, preview your financials with the finance committee or the treasurer before showing them to the entire board. The financial experts in your nonprofit will quickly spot any discrepancies or weaknesses in this sample presentation, giving you time to correct them.
Provide an overview of your findings to the board
Before launching into specifics on your project or findings, provide an overview while you are presenting to a board of directors. This presentation should include:
- A summation of your mission
- The goals of the project
- Your methods of data gathering
- Your findings
In all, this overview should not last longer than a few minutes. You are simply setting the table for the rest of your presentation.
It’s important to grab your audience’s attention by delivering a highlight such as, “We raised 45% more this year than last year,” or “Employee retention has hit a new low, meaning we are short-staffed in many areas.” It’s better to get to the point as soon as possible so that the board will listen to the specifics as you detail them.
Present the information in multiple ways
Learning styles differ in school and out. Your board may be comprised of people who learn best when they read the information, hear the information, or see the information. You should always provide a written report with your presentation, and your actual verbal presentation needs to be sharp and interesting. However, these methods may not be enough.
Many people need visuals to keep up with all the data you are presenting. That means using charts, presentation software, and other visual tools to get your point across. If you are not a visual learner, you may be tempted to skip the visual aids. That would be a mistake that could cost you the attention of some board members. You will increase your chances of success if you appeal to all types of learners.
Why your nonprofit needs Software Advice
Presenting to a board of directors does not have to be intimidating. Preparing well and using the right software tools will make your efforts more appealing and effective. Remember these key points:
These steps will help you create an accurate and easy-to-absorb presentation that will have a real impact on your nonprofit board.
Visit Software Advice for free help finding software that will make constructing your board presentation a snap.
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