Not-for-Profit on Purpose
Justin Hogg from Right Source guides you on your not-for-profit journey in Australia. He'll take you through all aspects of running an NFP, including board roles, structures, setting up, governance, reporting and more.
Setting up a not-for-profit: Financial Governance when starting an NFP
In past episodes we’ve spoken about Financial Governance, but what does that mean for anyone who is preparing to set up a new NFP? How do you create financial governance?
Opening a bank account, tracking expenditure and reporting? It might sound simple, but there is a process. I’ll touch on some key areas that I think are worth considering as well as how your systems and processes can even aid you in measuring your overall impact.
As a new NFP, you’ll find this information particularly useful, as we are looking to ensure you meet...
Setting up a not-for-profit: Who does the doing at a new NFP?
Delivering on purpose requires people ‘doing’ something, and as the founder of a new NFP, setting up a framework for people and organising the ‘doing’ is essential.
In this video we’ll discuss the evolution of the doing and what that looks like for the founder, as well as the people they will ultimately work with along the way. What should we consider when developing a framework for people? What is to be done, who is going to do it and when are they going to do it?
Let’s talk about who does the doing at a new...
Setting up a not-for-profit: Risk Management for new NFPs
Risk management may seem a bit of an overkill when starting or setting up an NFP, and for those setting one up it can feel like you are already going all in, so what is a little extra risk going to matter.
In today’s episode I provide some clarity around risk and highlight the benefit of managing risk early on the NFP set-up journey. I’ll talk through why we look at risk, where to start and some simple but effective methods.
Risk management is a valuable tool which will certainly develop as an organis...
Setting up a not-for-profit: Building Governance
So, you’re in the process of setting up a NFP and you want to ensure it has a good foundation for its governance practices. Where should you start?
In this episode we get clear on what governance is and identify components that set the foundation for governance. Do you need all of them? No, it’s about developing them on the journey and using them as tools to create alignment with your purpose throughout the organisation.
Once an initial framework of governance is established, you have a starting point. I talk through what’s next, and...
Setting up a not-for-profit: Generating cash for your NFP
Understanding your customer and who you are selling to is important in any business, but did you know it is even more important for NFPs? We need to look a bit deeper in the NFP space as we often have more to sell than the product or service we are providing.
So, in today’s episode I will discuss the practicalities of generating cash for your NFP and getting clear on the revenue side of a NFP and accessing various revenue streams.
Once you can access revenue streams, you are able to help more people.
<...Setting up a not-for-profit: Understanding Members, Directors and Employees in NFPs FAQs
Two of the most common questions I get from people who are looking to start a not-for-profit are: "Can I pay myself?" and "Can I be on the Board while working in the NFP?"
Whether you have an NFP or are looking to set up an NFP, it can be very useful to understand the relationship and dynamics between Members, Directors and Employees. As a founder, can you be all three at once?
In today's episode, I clarify these roles and responsibilities and discuss how to achieve a balanced NFP structure.
I'll be f...
Setting up a not-for-profit: What preparations are needed to start a NFP?
In this podcast I talk through the NFP start-up process - from a practical point of view. What should you consider when starting your NFP journey?
If you are in the planning stages or looking to take the plunge and start your NFP journey, you might want to have a pen and some paper handy!
I'll be focusing on the practicalities of starting a NFP in upcoming episodes, each one will cover a different aspect for you to consider when starting up a NFP.
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Why we need more not-for-profits
In this video I share my views on the number of not-for-profits as well as touch on the role not-for-profits play, how innovation and diversity play a key role, and some data that might help further frame this conversation.
Ultimately, I believe it is important to have a strong not-for-profit sector which is supported into the future. It is a sector that has its own characteristics and nuances that are important to understand as well as potential advantages that other sectors don’t have.
If you are thinking about setting up a not-for-profit or charity, or...
How to change the Constitution of your Not-for-Profit
It is a good practice to read through and review your Constitution annually to ensure it remains fit for purpose. And if there are changes required, it is important that these aren’t put off because the process seems intimidating or too difficult. Updating a constitution to stay in line with an organisation's evolution, is critical to governance and not as impossible as you might have thought.
In today’s video we discuss the process of making changes to your constitution; how to make changes and what to consider. If this is something you wish to do this wi...
Interpreting Board Best Practice
Are you following Best Practice in governance? This term is utilised in many board discussions and is often taken as the ‘way’ of doing things. However best practice isn’t always “best” for your Board, especially when looking through the eyes of a high performing Board. In this video I’ll explain why, from the perspective of a high performing Board.
Does best practice make a better Board, or is it something else? Feel free to share your comments, head over to Right Source YouTube or LinkedIn.
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Understanding the Merger process for Not-for-Profits
There are many reasons why an NFP would look to merge or be acquired but like everything, a merger or acquisition is more likely to succeed if you have a plan or strategy to achieve it rather than just hoping.
In assessing the viability of a merger or acquisition it’s important to obtain the ‘why’ and the ‘common motivation’ for all in this process. In today’s video I’ll discuss the merger process for not-for-profits and touch on a few key areas for consideration.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website right...
Moving from Treasurer to Director
What does it mean when you are a Treasurer of an Association moving to a Company Limited by Guarantee and then becoming a Director on the Board, and what affect does the role change bring?
Before we start thinking about the size and sophistication of your organisation, it’s important to see things from an operational perspective when defining roles and responsibilities. Some Treasurers of Associations, who look to understand the implications for their role when moving to a Company Limited by Guarantee, become a little overwhelmed or fearful. In this video I’ll explain this is not n...
It’s better to be lucky than good
In a business or work context, the phrase “better to be lucky than good” is one that I have come to associate with. On face value the phrase seems a little comical, but there is a meaning to this and one that I personally align to.
In doing this it requires an exploration of what being lucky means versus being good, in the context of business and personal success. Is it the lucky characteristics that drive your achievements? Or the fact that you are good at what you do?
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In-Camera Session
What is an “in-camera” session at an NFP Board meeting? In today’s podcast I discuss the; what, who, why, when, and where… of the in-camera session.
When executed well, everyone stands to gain from the in-camera session, from the Board, the executive, through to the way the organisation creates an impact.
Does your NFP Board meeting include in-camera sessions? Share your thoughts in the comments on LinkedIn or visit our YouTube channel.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the proce...
Customer vs Beneficiary
As a not-for-profit, are you clear on who your customers and beneficiaries are? In my experience, those that are clear on this perform better overall in terms of sustaining their organisation and delivering long-term impact.
In this video we’ll discuss customers and beneficiaries from both a for-profit and non-profit viewpoint. It’s useful to reflect on how they're different and why that might be a consideration for you.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an N...
Your NFP's Impact: Enduring versus Sustainable
When I think about the NFPs we work with, I would like to see that their impact endures. That the changes they made, the lives they touched is remember and continues to have ripples long after the NFP ceases to exist. Being in a NFP is about playing to win, while sustainability is more about playing not to lose. So, how do we make your NFP enduring? In this video we discuss what you might like to think about, the next time your Board broaches sustainability.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au<...
Incorporated Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee
Thinking about becoming a Company Limited by Guarantee? In Australia, when an incorporated association is looking to make the transition, each state is slightly different. With that in mind, I’ll talk through the principles involved the overall process, before touching on a few issues for you to consider. Changing to a company limited by guarantee, is an involved process and will cost time and/or money. Information and experience therefore, become crucial.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of star...
Financial Governance for Not-for-Profits
Is Financial Governance something unique to the NFP space? No, but it is needed, and it’s very obvious when an NFP doesn’t have it in place. Financial reports left to organically grow, can turn into lot of reports. This is something that is very painful to deal with at a Board level, so how do we turn these excessive reports into good governance?
I’m not talking accounting specifically, it is about having knowledge of these aspects and lifting what are “normal” accounting processes, into value added processes - fit for your NFP. In this video I disc...
Accounting as a Language to tell your story
As the CEO of an NFP, telling your story in meaningful and consistent ways is vital to delivering on your purpose. In this video I discuss storytelling through the language of accounting, and why the CEO, Board and stakeholders should speak it regularly to tell their story. Creating a meaningful story with the numbers on the page may be challenging at first, however when spoken regularly, this unique approach has many benefits. Using the language of accounting in storytelling creates consistency and aligns your purpose throughout the organisation.
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Why NFPs shouldn't Consolidate
Are there too many not-for-profits? Is this causing the NFP sector to be ineffective? Would consolidation improve efficiency in the NFP space? These questions frequently play into conversations. However, let’s not forget, in the NFP space our DNA is all about finding solutions to problems not yet solved. In this video I discuss the consequences of NFP consolidation and offer an alternative. With NFPs being a space of innovation, I believe there is a better solution.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questi...
The importance of an Independent Secretary
How does an independent Company Secretary contribute to a high-functioning Board? Why would a Board consider recruiting an independent CoSec when they can source this role in-house?
In today’s video we consider this specialised role from the truly independent perspective, as there are many benefits to an outsourced solution. A governance professional who can make calls and give advice with courage, from a place of independence, brings a lot of value to a Board.
Some benefits include improved training, continuity, skills base, a peer for the CEO, board level mindset and strategic outlook.
<...
How to facilitate Board meetings
As a Board Chair, are there skills you bring to the role other than being able to run a Board meeting? Would not having to run the Board meeting allow you to add more value in the role of Chair?
With NFPs being all about innovation, it’s only natural that they would be drawn to solutions that allow the Chair and leadership team more time to what they do best in the role, utilizing their own unique skill set for the organisation.
Running a good meeting requires specific skills. In this video I discuss some...
What makes a good Board Chair?
What makes a good Chair? I have worked with many Boards, and I have worked with good and great Chairs. However, never have I come across a Chair able to do the litany of tasks required of a Chair.
In exploring the role and responsibilities of the Chair, which is always a much bigger role than it appears on paper, what is the common thread amongst Chairs and what makes them great? How do you go from a good Chair to a great one.
Connect with me on LinkedIn visit our website rightsource.com.au
<...How to fix a collapsed Board
There are several reasons why a Board collapses, and it is never fun when it does. When the majority of the Board decides the situation is untenable and a lot of knowledge and history walks out the door, how do you recover? How do you rebuild?
In this podcast I discuss options for consideration, specifically in the NFP space. Bringing back stability and replenishing the Board requires an effective team with certain skills and components.
Do not be afraid to use external resources and specialists for Board recruitment. It is not about a quick recovery; it...
Board Accountability
Who is accountable when Boards aren’t performing well? Technically it is the members, but for those working in the NFP space this is not always an effective relationship and can be very nuanced. In this video I discuss situations that affect Board accountability and highlight why it’s important to be proactive. It’s not only when Boards are performing poorly that we should concern ourselves with this topic.
A Board must ultimately be self-aware, and to effectively understand they need to monitor and measure their performance and have a process embedded in its governance.
Working with a poor performing Board in an NFP?
We are often asked if we help with NFP Boards that are performing poorly, and this often leads to some interesting conversations.
The most common being what defines a poor performing Board and how you accurately judge poor performance. In my experience, looking into poor Board performance can be a very subjective exercise. Here I discuss some insights about how to identify poor Board performance, as well as what can help assist the Board to improve and serve the organisation’s purpose.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
A brief history of director indpendence
The history of director independence and how we have dealt with conflicts in the past, can assist and guide us in the future. How do you determine director independence in your NFP, and should you?
There are unique considerations for NFPs, because they are set up by people who have a personal interest from the start, for example they been affected by an illness in some way or are heavily invested in a cause. So there is intrinsically, a conflict. Here I discuss what to look out for when considering director independence.
Connect w...
NFP Federated Models - Part 2
Have you considered the Federated Model structure for your NFP? This week we continue the topic of Federated Models and discuss the benefits and opportunities. I also deliver thoughts on when and why, NFPs don't merge. While federated models can be a joy for some and frustrating for others, it is important to obtain clarity on your structure requirements. The points raised here will aid the conversation, however if you have questions about federated model structures or NFP Governance, feel free to contact us.
Listen to the podcast episode NFP Federated Models - Part 1
Co...
NFP Structures: The Dynamics of the Chair, CEO and Secretary
You can create a powerful decision making structure with a dynamic of three. This week we continue on the topic of NFPs and structure, and focus on the dynamics of the Chair, CEO and Secretary. Regardless of whether you outsource a secretary or hire internally, there are some important factors to consider when it comes to setting up an optimal NFP structure with a dynamic team of three. I discuss the roles of CEO vs Secretary, who reports to the CEO/Chair, and more.
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NFP Subsidiary Structures
This week we continue with the topic of NFP structures. What are the implications of having an NFP subsidiary? What should you be aware of when thinking of having a subsidiary? In this video I discuss subsidiary structures, how they can occur, what are the implications and the importance of paying attention to the element of ‘control’.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contac...
NFP Federated Models - Part 1
As an NFP with a federated model structure, there are a couple of things to be aware of to ensure success and maintain a meaningful impact. What are federated models and how are they efficient?
While federated models can be a joy for some and frustrating for others, it is important to effectively maintain structure to ensure success. If there is frustration or a lack of clarity, there needs to be a process to resolve it efficiently and effectively, so everyone is working together as a collective.
We should take our time investigating structures such as...
NDIS Quick Growth for NFPs
The NDIS has ushered in a rapid growth of the not-for-profit space. There are strategies and capabilities to consider when turnover grows from 1 to 10 million, or 10 to 50 million, within two or three years.
In this podcast I discuss how organisations, boards, and CEOs might evolve to successfully maintain their rapid growth. I also include the challenges that can present, because the roles and considerations, are very different.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up a...
NDIS Rediscovering Purpose
The NDIS has impacted the not-for-profit space in many ways. One of the challenges for organisations that have fully embraced the NDIS, is the allocation of funding.
In this podcast I discuss how you might tackle this strategically, by suggesting a clear separation of your purpose and your allocation of funding.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
New ACNC Requirements for NFPs - related party transactions
One of the new requirements for ACNC is increased disclosure - related party transactions. While compliance is important, in this podcast I focus on understanding related party transactions from a governance perspective specifically why and how to implement these changes.
Related party transactions are similar in principle to managing conflict of interest, openness, and clarity. By taking a step-by-step approach you will create alignment in your organisation, alignment that only governance can achieve.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in...
NFP CEO Transitions - what happens when your CEO leaves the organisation?
Not-for-profit CEO transition is topic that has come up a lot in the past 12 months. Most people agree there are two undeniable truths regarding the CEO, they are the most pivotal and key personnel in the organisation, and one day the CEO will inevitably leave the organisation. Has your board identified a process for when your CEO moves on? In this video I discuss what your board needs to consider when managing this process.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the...
How governance can influence board culture: tools to manage culture (part 4 of 4)
This is the fourth in the series on governance and culture.
Culture is important and it’s something the board need to be aware of and actively managing. In this podcast I discuss how understanding governance tools, can help you affect the culture of the organisation.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
If it is...
How governance can influence board culture: tools to manage culture (part 3 of 4)
This is the third in the series on governance and culture.
Goals have to incorporate: vision, expectations, accountability and responsibility. Watch my video to see how these lead to the alignment of goals and how this helps you manage culture.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
If it is of interest, join us...
How governance can influence board culture: leaving a legacy (part 2 of 4)
Legacy is something you leave behind. Will you leave behind something of value from your time on a not-for-profit board? How can you protect your legacy?
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
If it is of interest, join us for the NFP Governance Rendezvous, a free online event for NFP CEOs, Directors and CoSecs, or...
How governance can help influence board culture: motivation (part 1 of 4)
What is board culture? You can't see it, you can’t hold it - how can you effect it or change it?
We’ll discuss the motivation of directors, director roles, board charter and how they can affect an organisation’s culture.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
If it is of interest, join u...
The importance of having a Board charter
Board charter is also known as Board terms of reference. Board charters should reference the constitution, director appointment, Board meeting details, Board papers, sub-committees, diversity/lived experience on the Board and more.
Remember, governance is always evolving, it’s ok to change things along the way.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our website rightsource.com.au
If you have any questions, are in the process of starting up an NFP, or interested in becoming an NFP CoSec, feel free to contact me on LinkedIn.
If it is of...
