Muhammad Babangida | Philanthropy

Muhammad Babangida is a committed philanthropist from Nigeria

Tag: Charities

5 Nonprofit Workshops Available

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On February 10, 2024

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

Nonprofit workshops are invaluable resources for organizations seeking to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capacity to fulfill their missions effectively. These workshops cover various topics, from fundraising and grant writing to governance and program management. Here are five nonprofit workshops that are commonly available:

Grant Writing Workshop:

Grant writing workshops help nonprofit organizations develop the skills and strategies to secure grant funding. These workshops typically cover understanding grant terminology, researching funding opportunities, crafting compelling grant proposals, and building relationships with funders. Participants learn best practices for writing grant proposals, including how to clearly articulate their organization’s mission, goals, and programs and develop realistic budgets and evaluation plans. Grant writing workshops often include hands-on exercises, case studies, and feedback sessions to help participants refine their grant writing skills.

Fundraising Workshop:

Fundraising workshops focus on helping nonprofit organizations develop and implement successful fundraising strategies to support their missions. These workshops cover a variety of fundraising methods, including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, special events, and online fundraising. Participants learn how to identify and cultivate donors, create compelling fundraising appeals, leverage storytelling and social media to engage supporters, and steward donor relationships. Fundraising workshops also address ethical considerations, legal regulations, and best donor stewardship and retention practices. Participants leave with practical tools and techniques to apply to their organization’s fundraising efforts.

Board Governance Workshop:

Board governance workshops are designed to help nonprofit board members effectively fulfill their fiduciary, strategic, and oversight responsibilities. These workshops cover topics such as the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards, best practices for board recruitment and orientation, strategies for effective board meetings and decision-making, and principles of financial management and accountability. Board governance workshops also address board-staff relations, conflict resolution, and succession planning.

Strategic Planning Workshop:

Strategic planning workshops guide participants through the strategic planning process, from conducting situational analysis and defining organizational priorities to setting measurable goals and developing action plans. Participants learn to engage stakeholders, assess internal and external factors impacting their organization, and prioritize initiatives to maximize impact and sustainability. Strategic planning workshops also address challenges such as managing change, fostering collaboration, and aligning resources with strategic priorities.

Program Evaluation Workshop:

Program evaluation workshops help nonprofit organizations assess the effectiveness of their programs and services and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes. Program evaluation workshops also address ethical and cultural sensitivity, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication of results. Participants leave with the knowledge and skills they need to evaluate their organization’s programs and demonstrate impact to funders, donors, and other stakeholders.

Nonprofit workshops provide valuable opportunities for organizations to build their capacity, enhance their effectiveness, and achieve their missions more successfully. Whether focused on grant writing, fundraising, board governance, strategic planning, or program evaluation, these workshops offer practical tools, strategies, and insights that can help nonprofit leaders and staff navigate the nonprofit sector’s challenges and make a positive difference in their communities.

The Milestones of Beginning a Nonprofit

By

On February 8, 2024

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

Starting a nonprofit organization is a journey filled with challenges, milestones, and rewarding achievements. Here are the key milestones one might encounter when embarking on the journey of beginning a nonprofit:

Identifying a Mission and Vision:

The first milestone in starting a nonprofit is identifying a clear mission and vision. This involves defining the organization’s purpose, the problem it seeks to address, and the impact it aims to achieve. The mission and vision serve as the guiding principles for the organization and inform all its activities and decisions.

Conducting Research and Needs Assessment:

Once the mission and vision are established, the next milestone is conducting thorough research and needs assessment. This involves gathering information about the target population or community, understanding their needs and challenges, and identifying existing services or resource gaps. Research helps ensure the nonprofit’s mission is relevant and that its programs and services effectively address the identified needs.

Developing a Strategic Plan:

With a clear understanding of the mission, vision, and needs, the next milestone is developing a strategic plan. This plan outlines the goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics that the organization will pursue to achieve its mission and vision. It includes a roadmap for how the organization will operate, grow, and sustain itself.

Building a Board of Directors:

A key milestone in the early stages of a nonprofit is building a board of directors. The board provides governance, oversight, and strategic direction to the organization. Board members should bring diverse skills, expertise, and perspectives to the table, and they play a crucial role in fundraising, decision-making, and ensuring accountability.

Developing Programs and Services:

Once the legal formalities are completed and the board is in place, the next milestone is developing programs and services that align with the organization’s mission and address the identified needs. This may involve designing and planning specific initiatives, hiring staff or volunteers to implement them, and establishing partnerships with other organizations or stakeholders.

Fundraising and Resource Development:

Another critical milestone for nonprofits is fundraising and resource development. This involves identifying potential funding sources, such as grants, donations, sponsorships, and earned income, and developing strategies to secure them. Fundraising efforts may include writing grant proposals, organizing fundraising events, cultivating donor relationships, and leveraging online crowdfunding platforms.

Evaluating Impact and Learning:

Finally, a key milestone for nonprofits is evaluating their impact and learning from their experiences. This involves collecting data and evidence to assess the effectiveness of their programs and services, soliciting feedback from stakeholders, and using that information to make informed decisions and continuously improve.

Beginning a nonprofit organization involves navigating a series of milestones, from identifying a mission and vision to incorporating and developing programs, fundraising, and building capacity. Each milestone presents its challenges and opportunities, but by staying focused on the organization’s mission and vision, engaging stakeholders, and remaining flexible and resilient, nonprofit founders can successfully navigate the journey and positively impact their communities.

 

Some Vocal Terms You Need to Know as a Nonprofit Leader

By

On August 16, 2023

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

Navigating the world of nonprofit leadership requires an understanding of specific terminology and concepts unique to the sector. Familiarizing yourself with these vocal terms is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making within your nonprofit organization.

Here are some key vocal terms you need to know as a nonprofit leader:

Mission and Vision Statements:

These are foundational statements that define the purpose and goals of your nonprofit. The mission statement outlines the organization’s aims, while the vision statement paints a picture of the desired future impact.

Board of Directors:

The board of directors is a group of individuals responsible for overseeing the nonprofit’s strategic direction, governance, and financial health. They provide guidance, make key decisions, and uphold the organization’s mission.

Fundraising:

Fundraising involves soliciting and collecting financial resources to support the nonprofit’s programs and initiatives. It involves various strategies, such as grant writing, individual donations, events, and corporate partnerships.

Grant:

A grant is a financial award from a foundation, government agency, or other institution to support specific projects or initiatives. Grant writing involves submitting proposals to secure funding.

Donor Relations:

Donor relations encompass the strategies and practices for building and maintaining positive relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations that contribute financially to the organization.

Impact Measurement:

Impact measurement involves assessing and quantifying the outcomes and effectiveness of the nonprofit’s programs and activities. It demonstrates how the organization is fulfilling its mission and making a difference.

Nonprofit Compliance:

Nonprofit organizations must adhere to various legal and regulatory requirements to maintain their tax-exempt status. Compliance involves following reporting, financial, and operational guidelines set by relevant authorities.

Constituent Engagement:

Constituent engagement focuses on involving and connecting with the various individuals and groups your nonprofit serves or interacts with, such as beneficiaries, volunteers, and community members.

Strategic Planning:

Strategic planning involves setting long-term goals and outlining the steps required. It helps nonprofits align their activities with their mission and create a roadmap for success.

Advocacy: 

Advocacy refers to actively promoting a cause, policy, or issue to effect change. Nonprofits often engage in advocacy to influence public opinion, policy decisions, and legislation related to their mission.

Capacity Building:

Capacity building involves strengthening an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission effectively. This can include enhancing leadership skills, improving operations, and expanding resources.

Nonprofit Sustainability:

Nonprofit sustainability focuses on ensuring the organization’s long-term viability. It involves diversifying funding sources, developing earned revenue streams, and building a solid supporter base.

Volunteer Management:

Volunteer management encompasses recruiting, training, coordinating, and recognizing volunteers who contribute their time and skills to the nonprofit’s activities.

Understanding and using these vocal terms will enable you to communicate effectively within the nonprofit sector, collaborate with stakeholders, and make informed decisions that advance your organization’s mission and impact. As a nonprofit leader, mastering these terms will enhance your ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and a deep understanding of your organization’s unique dynamics.

Nonprofit Scams to Be Aware Of

By

On August 16, 2023

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Youth Philanthropy

Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social and humanitarian issues, relying on the generosity of donors to support their missions. However, the noble intentions of donors can sometimes be exploited by individuals or groups engaging in nonprofit scams. These scams undermine trust, divert resources from legitimate causes, and can have far-reaching negative impacts.

Donors and the general public need to be aware of common nonprofit scams to ensure their contributions are genuinely making a positive impact.

Fake Charities:

Scammers create fictitious nonprofits with names that closely resemble well-known, legitimate organizations. These fake charities often claim to support prevalent causes, exploiting donors’ desire to contribute to important issues.

High-Pressure Tactics:

Some scammers use aggressive tactics, such as cold calls, emails, or even door-to-door visits, to pressure individuals into donating quickly. Legitimate nonprofits respect donors’ decisions and provide ample time to research and make informed choices.

Emotional Appeals:

Scammers often use heart-wrenching stories and emotional appeals to manipulate donors’ emotions and prompt immediate donations. While emotional connections to causes are natural, verifying the authenticity of the organization and its claims before contributing is essential.

Misuse of Funds:

Scammers sometimes collect funds to support a specific cause but divert the money for personal gain. Transparent nonprofits provide financial reports demonstrating how funds are allocated to various programs and initiatives.

Impersonation of Legitimate Organizations:

Scammers might impersonate legitimate nonprofits by sending fake emails, creating fake social media profiles, or setting up fraudulent websites.

Overhead Fee Scams:

Some scammers claim that significant donations go toward administrative costs and overhead fees rather than the intended cause. Transparent nonprofits disclose how donations are used and balance administrative costs and program expenses reasonably.

Inaccurate Tax Deduction Claims:

Fraudulent nonprofits might promise exaggerated tax deductions for donations, exploiting individuals’ desire to receive tax benefits for their generosity.

Prize or Sweepstakes Scams:

Scammers send unsolicited communications claiming donations will enter individuals into a sweepstakes or contest. Legitimate nonprofits do not use donations as an entry fee for such contests.

Fake Disaster Relief:

Scammers exploit people’s willingness to help by creating fake relief funds during natural disasters or emergencies. To ensure your donations reach those in need, contribute to well-known and reputable disaster relief organizations.

Lack of Transparency:

A genuine nonprofit maintains transparency by providing information about its board members, financial reports, and accomplishments. Scammers often avoid giving such details to prevent their fraudulent activities from being uncovered.

Protect yourself from nonprofit scams by following these guidelines:

Research Thoroughly:

Before donating, research the organization’s name, mission, and reputation.

Use Secure Payment Methods:

When donating online, use secure payment methods and avoid sharing personal or financial information through unsecured channels.

Check for Accreditation:

Look for accreditation from reputable organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the GuideStar Seal of Transparency, which indicate a nonprofit’s legitimacy and transparency.

By staying vigilant and informed, donors can protect themselves from falling victim to nonprofit scams and ensure their contributions positively impact the causes they care about.

Tools That Make Fundraising Collaboration Easier

By

On December 1, 2022

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Fundraising tools, like HootSuite, GreaterGiving, Springly, and GoFundMe, are designed to help organize and streamline the various steps involved in running a successful fundraising campaign. They can also minimize the amount of work your staff members must do to make the event successful.

Although there are many different fundraising tools, it’s important to note that some are comprehensive and can help you run a successful campaign. Others, however, are simpler and only provide a few features that allow you to manage a small amount of activity.

One of the most critical steps you can take is to organize an open forum for your organization’s staff members to discuss the various aspects of running a successful campaign.

One of your group members will be able to look into the various companies that offer these services and find out which will work best for your organization. Brands should also list their products’ top features and prices so that you can compare their offerings against your current needs and budget.

Canva

Canva has thousands of templates you can use to create engaging images, which can help capture the attention of your potential supporters. Canva also has tutorials and other resources to help you improve your skills in social media graphics. If you are running a social media campaign or planning to expand your reach, then boosting your visuals is essential.

HootSuite

It’s vital to consider when choosing fundraising software the ability to schedule your posts. With HootSuite, you can quickly implement various features, such as content scheduling. This tool can help you keep up with the latest trends in online fundraising.

MailChimp

Some organizations do not launch annual email fundraising campaigns. You can use an affordable service like MailChimp, which allows you to automate email delivery. It also offers professional templates to help build effective communications.

Crowdfunding Platforms

GoFundMe

This tool has a simple dashboard that allows you to manage various aspects of your organization’s operations, such as sending thank-you emails and withdrawing funds. Unlike other platforms, this service does not have fees.

Since it was first established in 2010, the crowdfunding platform known as Gofundme has become one of the most popular platforms in the world. It allows individuals and organizations to raise money for various causes. You can start a campaign by adding a certain amount of money to your goal, create a story using photos, text, and video, and share it on social media.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms

Bonfire

With the help of crowdfunding and peer-to-peer capabilities, you can reach out to your target audience and raise money for your cause through the platform known as Bonfire. It also allows nonprofit organizations to sell their merchandise. Through its simple point-and-click feature, you can create and sell various products such as t-shirts, water bottles, and sweatshirts.

QGiv

QGiv is a software that supports various types of online fundraising, including peer-to-peer and online auctions. You can use it to manage multiple aspects of an organization’s operations, such as sending and receiving donations.

Springly 

With Springly, you can manage all the tools you need to run an organization, including a complete CRM, fundraising capabilities, and communication tools. It also comes with an event management system. Since all of these components are in one software, it eliminates much of the heavy lifting involved in running an organization.

Greater Giving

This software supports both live and virtual events and provides various services for both types of fundraisers. Through its event services, you can connect with experts who can help you maximize the performance of your events.

GiveSmart

GiveSmart is a sizeable online fundraising software that connects various aspects of an organization’s operations, such as its CRM and payment processing services. It can also handle virtual and live events. Its customer service team can answer questions and advise at any time.

Best Payment Processors for Nonprofits 

A payment processor is a must for any organization planning on holding a web-based fundraiser. It will ensure that they can accept donations online.

Stripe

For registered nonprofit organizations, which can raise at least 80% of their income through donations, a discount is available from Stripe. This payment processing company also offers a variety of developer tools and advanced reporting capabilities.

Square

Although Square doesn’t offer a discount to nonprofit organizations, it has a variety of free features. One of these is its customer management software, which is helpful for organizations that maintain a contact list and collect donations.

PayPal

Nonprofits can utilize PayPal’s various resources, including a dedicated Donate button, recurring donation capabilities, and payment options. It also allows you to be included in its Giving Fund, which enables donors to find your organization. PayPal’s integrations with other software can be effortless.

One of the most critical factors that any organization should consider when choosing online fundraising software is the ability to manage its donor information. Before you sign up for a platform, thoroughly understand its features and how it can help you collect donations.

In addition to helping organizations maximize their donations, this software helps them improve efficiency by integrating and automating various aspects of their operations. This can allow them to work more efficiently and effectively with their team members.

 

Fundraising Tips for Nonprofits

By

On May 26, 2022

In Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

A successful nonprofit fundraising campaign is a vital part of any organization’s operations. It can help raise awareness for a cause and attract more donors.

It can be a daunting task for a charitable organization to raise money. Since it’s likely that your primary source of income is through donations, fundraising can be a long and challenging process.

Nonprofit fundraising should be learned and mastered. Having a well-designed fundraising plan can help prepare your volunteers and ensure that the organization is successful. Here are some crucial steps to follow.

  1. Set Goals and Plan Messaging

Before you start a fundraising campaign, it’s important to set goals and objectives. These should include the end goal and the overall plan for the year.

Before setting a fundraising goal, it’s important to determine the organization’s needs. Then, return to the mission statement to figure out what the money will be used for.

Your mission statement should also be written to guide the donors’ questions about the organization’s goals and mission. Having a clear and concise mission statement can help raise awareness about the organization and its work.

Make sure to also tell the stories of the people who you help. A study conducted in 2010 revealed that most donors choose to give due to their own preferences and personal experiences. A partiality for certain causes can also be triggered by a donor’s personal experiences. Having a compelling and uplifting story can also help motivate people to give.

Most donors research a charity before giving, so having a well-written and uplifting story on your website can also help boost donations.

  1. Make a List of Potential Donors

Before you start a fundraising campaign, it’s important to identify the people who are most likely to give to your cause. You can also enlist the help of your board members and volunteers to create a list of potential donors.

Having a well-written and uplifting story on your website can also help boost donations. Having a prospect list can also help guide your campaign promotion. It can be done through various forms of fundraising, such as social media, direct mail, and sponsorships.

  1. Plan Your Campaign

This step will help you determine the exact strategy and tactics that will help raise money for your cause. Having a clear understanding of the goals and the various ways that donors can give will help boost your fundraising efforts.

Before you start a fundraising campaign, it’s also important to determine how you’ll promote it. This step will help determine the various elements of the campaign that will be used to raise money for the organization.

Although the goal of a fundraising campaign is to raise money, it’s also important to determine how you’ll promote it. This step will help you develop a strategy and tactics that will work for your organization.

One of the most important steps that you should consider when it comes to establishing a fundraising campaign is to establish a recurring donation program. This can help boost donations and prevent you from having to spend a lot of money on ongoing fundraising. A monthly giving program can allow you to receive a steady stream of donations.

  1. Thank Donors

Although it’s important to establish a fundraising campaign, it’s also important to thank your donors and supporters. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by sending a thank-you note. However, it’s also beneficial to build a stronger relationship with your donors.

Being loyal to your donors is as important as maintaining a good customer relationship. Having a strong relationship with them can help alleviate the pressure of fundraising. By being transparent about the details of the donations, your organization can continue to grow.

 

How Your Company Can Include Philanthropy in its Culture

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On November 5, 2021

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy

Corporate philanthropy can be extremely beneficial not just for your community, but for your business’s visibility and reputation within the community you’re located in as well. Whether you’re volunteering in your community, supporting causes you care about, or donating to charitable causes, partaking in corporate philanthropy has an abundance of positive benefits that make it worth considering. You can build a strong sense of community with your employees and customers, give back to your community at large, and become more appealing to younger employees who seek out businesses that hold philanthropy in high regard. 

 

How can you start getting involved in corporate philanthropy?

 

An easy way to start on your business’s philanthropic journey is to offer volunteer time off to your employees. This will give your employees time to support organisations and causes that they hold dear to their hearts while not having to worry about using up precious PTO or taking an unpaid day off to get involved. Having volunteer time off, or VTO, will encourage your employees to become socially responsible and dedicate their time to charitable causes. It will also help attract and retain talented employees for your business.

 

More internally, corporate philanthropy should start with ethical labour practices. You must adopt fair pay for the work your employees put in—their time isn’t worth nothing, after all. Once you adopt ethical labour practices, you can go to your company’s social media pages and encourage your followers and other industry leaders to follow in your footsteps. You can even take it a step further by creating and hosting events that surround this topic for other companies.

 

Perhaps your product or service will be beneficial to others when offered charitably. Businesses can participate in philanthropy by offering their services to others pro bono; ideally, you’ll be offering these services to organisations that are involved in charity work. It’s a great way to build awareness for a cause you care about while helping those around you by doing something within your field of business.

 

Lastly, you could partner your business with a charitable organisation that means something to you. This will offer ongoing opportunities to become involved in philanthropic deeds and show your community that your business is committed to giving back. Charitable organisations can become an integral part of your business model and give new meaning to yourself, your products or services, and your efforts at large.

6 of the Best Charities to Donate to Today

By

On October 30, 2020

In Community Engagement, Muhammad Babangida, Philanthropy, Uncategorized

After deciding to support a charitable organization financially, the next procedure is looking for a legitimate non-profit organization that will use the donations to make meaningful impacts. Sorting out through the hundreds of non-profit making organizations to verify their credibility may be cumbersome. However, the following are the best charities to donate funds to.

United Way Southeastern Michigan

It is an organization that specializes in the mobilization of Southeastern Michigan and Detroit’s caring power. Besides, they are improving individual and community lives in lasting and measurable ways. They achieve their goal by empowering and improving each family’s lives to become successful through health, economic prosperity, and education.

Hand and Feet 24/7

The Hands and Feet 24/7 mission has established a gathering space beneficial to the SC and Taylors. Additionally, the organization has been formed to establish and facilitate job training, promoting Gospel-centered education and community development programs.

Keeping Blues Alive

The Blues Alive foundation aims at fueling the music passion through the funding of scholarships and programs. It helps the teachers and students who have musical talent, but resources deny them the chance to achieve their desires.

Wishwall Foundation

Wishwall is a non-profit organization. The organization’s principle is giving voice to the voiceless and assisting them in making their wishes come true. Besides, the Wishwall foundation is known for its multi-faceted nature. It mainly consists of Wishwall in all cities and the Wishwall online. It gives individuals the chance to show their wishes. The foundation also encourages people to help one another and ensure all people achieve their desires and dreams.

Kyyba Kidz Foundation

Foundation formed as a dedication in assisting the underprivileged individuals and orphans in raising the required resources using community participation. They help kids achieve great heights by ensuring they are active partners by participating fully to get the necessary capital for orphan’s education.

Global Giving Foundation Inc

An organization that connects the companies, donors, and nonprofits to donate. They help the nonprofits from Zimbabwe to Afghanistan access the support, training, and tools they require to make the world more convenient.

Conclusion

Having gone through the best organizations to donate your donations to, you can now make your choice. The donations will be used in the right manner and greatly help many needy people.

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