Mainebiz Special Editions

V O L . X X V N O. X X I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 16 N onprofits are on the verge of losing large numbers of leaders. Almost half of our members at the Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) report they anticipate a leadership change in the next five years, and other estimates are even more dramatic. A 2015 study by ird Sector New England indi- cated that a majority of nonprofits are not prepared for the imminent departure of their leaders; 70% lack a succession plan. Like the MANP survey, the New England study also reports that 63% anticipate a transi- tion soon and calls for organizations, like MANP, to help build a pipeline of leadership that will "strengthen the bench" and better prepare non- profits for change. In response, MANP launched an initiative called "Mission Driven Leadershift" to help shift the mind- set about succession planning to one of deeper sustainability plan- ning. Succession planning is not just about what to do when an execu- tive director leaves. At its core, it is a strategy for keeping mission in the forefront as an organization navigates inevitable change. It is a process to identify organizational values and develop practices that safeguard the important work of an organization. MANP's wide variety of services include a Mission-Driven Executive Transitions toolkit, board training on managing leadership transitions, competitively priced executive search services, and a Leadership Institute to train executive directors. Preparing for this widespread need also requires cultivating and expanding the pipeline of future leaders for charitable nonprofits. Fortunately, millennials are eager to meet the challenge. "e Millennial Impact Report: 10 Years Looking Back" explains that younger people want to directly contribute to cause- related initiatives, especially through leadership roles. MANP's Emerging Leaders program, first created in 2010 by the Institute for Civic Leadership, is the direct result of feedback from young leaders, nonprofit organizations and other advisors. Having adopted the pro- gram in 2018, MANP continues to pre- pare and train young leaders in Maine communities for meaningful nonprofit board experiences by matching them to organizations that will benefit from their time and talent. "ere is a community of a younger generation that want to get involved in something meaningful, but don't know where to begin," said a 2018 Emerging Leader participant. "e young leaders bring new energy and perspective. In our fast-paced culture, this is so important." e ultimate goal is for Maine's nonprofits to be supported by informed, committed board mem- bers who can guide their organiza- tions responsibly, and to the greatest impact, through transition, opportu- nity and inevitable change. Maine's nonprofits play an essen- tial role in our state's economy and quality of life. e leaders of these organizations are well-positioned to influence and improve our com- munities. As a result, investing in the leadership development of those in key positions — whether current executive directors, emerging leaders, or board members — is essential to strengthening the capacity of non- profits to address Maine's most press- ing challenges. Katie Manter is membership m a n a g e r f o r t h e M a i n e Association of Nonprof its. She can be reached at kmanter @ n o n p r o f i t m a i n e . o r g Who will step up? Maine nonprofits need leaders B Y K A T I E M A N T E R C O M M E N TA RY Succession planning is not just about what to do when an executive director leaves. At its core, it is a strategy for keeping mission in the forefront as an organization navigates inevitable change. A PR IL : BIDDEFORD MA RC H : P OR T L AN D SEP TEMBER : DOVE R FOXCROF T MAY : DAMARISC OT TA JU N E : PRE S QUE IS LE OC TOBER : MAC HIA S MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE 2020 MAINEBIZ ON THE ROAD RECEPTION SERIES! Go to mainebiz.biz/mainebiz-events for more info. ANNOUNCING 2020 LOCATIONS Business people from the region will be invited to join Mainebiz for a networking reception from 5–7pm. Mainebiz will provide food, soft drinks, and a cash bar for all attendees. Attendance will be complimentary for all local business community members. Mainebiz will host six receptions in six different regions of Maine in order to bring together each region's business community for networking and the exchange of ideas. FOLLOW US @MBEVENTS #OTR2020 Interested in sponsorship? Please contact publisher Donna Brassard at 207.261.8379 x327

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