Program areas at DANA
Strengthening Nonprofit capacity - see schedule o for descriptionstrengthening Nonprofit capacity - through consulting services, training, the annual conference and networking, dana develops leadership skills in the areas of governance, strategic planning, financial sustainability, communications, human capital, and collaboration. In 2022, de nonprofits were still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. Dana continued to provide access to information resources and support in sustainability, strategic planning, fundraising, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advocacy. Over 1,400 individuals participated in one of many dana learning programs. Through grants, dana also provided free coaching and consultation on fundraising, diversity, equity, inclusion, and collaboration. The value of those free services exceeded $100k. Collectively, 142 nonprofits benefitted from custom training or consulting engagements. Dana's board connections in partnership with board lead helped 27 individuals get placed on Nonprofit boards of which 44% identified as persons of color, and 59% use she pronouns. Dana also published its 2022 study on the diversity profile of Delaware Nonprofit boards and senior leadership. The insights will help inform strategies to support nonprofits as they seek to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures within their organization and on their boards of directors. Dana's 2022-member survey indicated most members satisfied with dana's consulting (93%) and workshops (94%). Indicators that help dana know if it is improving Nonprofit capacity from its 2022 survey: strategic plans that contain outcomes (73% compared to 39% in 2016), strategic plans that have financials (58% compared to 25% in 2016).
Enhancing dana members - see schedule o for descriptionenhancing dana members - delivered forums/cost savings opportunities/tools for Nonprofit organizations to share ideas and resources with one another and to create connections with community members, funders, elected officials, and other potential partners. In 2022 dana's membership grew to 529 comprised of 449 nonprofits and 80 associate members which includes government agencies, small businesses, and emerging nonprofits. Member retention was 80%. We continue to see growth with smaller, grassroots led nonprofits as dana expanded more free services that appealed to smaller agencies. Dana distributed free resources to members including standards for excellence packets, compensation benchmark data, sample board policy templates, and (thanks to a grant) free diversity, equity, and inclusion organizational assessments through our partnership with Michigan Nonprofit association. Our 2022 membership survey provides feedback on dana's value to its members. 88% are satisfied with their membership. 93% agreed that dana provides resources that help them advance their mission efficiently and effectively (up 6pts from the prior survey). 92% agreed dana provides valuable connections to other nonprofits (an 11-pt. Increase from our prior survey).
Advancing the Nonprofit sector - see schedule o for descriptionadvancing the Nonprofit sector - dana engages Nonprofit leaders and government officials in dialogue around the vital role of nonprofits in the state of Delaware. Through workshops, meetings and attendance at legislative sessions, dana offers educational information on state and federal legislative and budget matters that impact the sector. Dana's subsector advocacy days builds advocacy muscle within de nonprofits. This program teaches nonprofits employees and boards how to engage with policy makers, assisting with introductions and advising on how to promote their mission causes. Our public policy communities of practice gives dana members an opportunity to shape dana's advocacy agenda, raise issues that we should be aware of, and provide members insights into specific legislative initiatives. With inflation and a tight labor force impacting nonprofits and those they serve dana's advocacy efforts were expanded to explore ways to reduce costs and retain employees. Town hall sessions with legislators on bills that would converse with philanthropy and government on how to best support the Delaware Nonprofit sector. In partnership with philanthropy Delaware, we re-launched sharedelaware.org a free site using policymap that profiles where nonprofits provide services, and their financial health.