Non-Profit Organizations as Educators in the Community

Non-profit organizations have a unique opportunity to contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the economy. By continuing to empower themselves as educators, non-profit organizations can lead the charge for change. When it comes to improving economic situations, many turn to profit-driven businesses or organizations. And that’s fair: after all, profit is what helps drive the economy.

But when real change is needed, education and awareness are required. And non-profit organizations can play an important role in the economy. Particularly those focused on mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace health, and professional development spaces.

We’ll explore why non-profit organizations should be taking the lead in helping to educate and inform the for-profit world. We’ll also explore how they are uniquely positioned to do so.

While corporate organizations are driven by missions, visions, and values that are outward-facing, deliverables do not always come first. That’s capitalism and we need for-profit organizations to make the world go round. Non-profit organizations, however, have the ability to explore more options. They can provide greater reach, opportunity, and knowledge – for the sake of knowledge. Because the more we know, the more we can grow.

Walking the Walk: Aligning Funding with Outcomes for Non-Profit Organizations

With mandates focused on building awareness, increasing community centricity, and leveraging resources, non-profit organizations can become leaders in education. Non-profit organizations have to ensure that initiatives align with the requirements or objectives of funding sources. How this education is delivered may be strictly controlled by a funding source. How many people can participate in an educational opportunity may be limited by timelines. There may be restrictions on which communities are funded. And the availability of qualified instructors or subject matter experts may be an issue.

Looking In, Looking Out: How Non-Profits Can Lead the Way in Educating Communities

This is where online learning comes to the rescue of non-profit organizations. Funding sources may wish to develop training that helps improve the lives of marginalized groups in rural areas in Canada. But herein lies the trouble with developing community-based education programs. Marginalized groups, particularly those living in poverty or without access to resources, may not be aware of the educational opportunities. They may not have the ability to participate. We don’t always see the possibilities or even the problems when we’re too close to them. Online learning can open up a new way of looking at problems. Online courses can provide access to new subject matter experts and create safe spaces for conversations that contribute to change.

Corporate organizations come to online learning and online courses as a way to strengthen their workforce, to improve the bottom line. Non-profit organizations focus on community engagement and measure improvements brought about by initiatives such as creating an online course. And in some cases, non-profits are injecting themselves into communities to help alleviate some of the stress of educating youth, bridging the gap for universities, and providing corporate training as well. I’ve worked with both profit and non-profit organizations to create online learning and training experiences and while the desired outcomes are different in many respects, at the heart of those interactions is learning. People understand the value of learning. We all collectively understand that improvement, even incremental and over time, is valuable.

Non-Profit Organizations Can Reach Far, Wide and Deep with Online Courses

So how can non-profit organizations have more impact, reach more people, and ensure their mandates are upheld? Online courses.

As organizations, whether profit or non-profit, we tend to look at our communities from within. We want to start with our own communities and create change. But in doing so, in focusing too far inward, we miss out on how far-reaching initiatives help us right here at home. My own business is an excellent example of this: I live in a small town in eastern Nova Scotia and work from home. Many of my clients come to me from outside of my provincial borders. The work I deliver, and the courses I create for my clients, help to impact their communities and the revenue earned from those opportunities help impact my community.

But what’s more, because the courses I create for clients live online, people in my community also have the opportunity to log into a platform owned and operated in Saskatchewan and take a course delivered by a non-profit organization there.

Navigate Multiple Funding Requirements with Online Courses

Non-profit organizations required to cross-reference and matrix multiple funding agencies and ensure that education or awareness projects fit the bill (meet objectives and outcomes of funding) are well suited for online course creation.

By focusing on providing reach through the use of technology, it becomes easier to satisfy funding requirements. In some cases, online courses can be coupled with in-person or live events, rounding out funding requirements even further. And of course, the most obvious reason to dig into online course creation as a non-profit organization is to begin building your digital training and reference library. By leading the way in a particular area of focus through the creation of physical products or digital products, the ability to continue to make a difference outlives the funding source. And funders love legacy impacts.

If your non-profit organization is curious about how to leverage online training courses or you’re in the middle of developing a digital training library and need help, book a call with me now.