Non-Profit Resources

The Bristol Chamber recognizes that a thriving community depends on strong, vibrant non-profits. As a hub for connection, guidance, and support, we provide resources for non-profits of all sizes—whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your impact. Our goal is to help you strengthen your organization, engage your community, and achieve your mission.

Resources

Best Practices for Non-Profits

Governance & Leadership

Strong Board Oversight – Recruit diverse, skilled board members and provide ongoing training.
Clear Mission & Vision – Ensure all activities align with your organization’s purpose.
Strategic Planning – Develop multi-year plans with measurable goals and regular reviews.
Transparency & Accountability – Maintain open reporting practices for donors, staff, and stakeholders.

Financial Management

Sound Budgeting – Create realistic budgets and monitor cash flow monthly.
Financial Controls – Separate duties, require approvals, and conduct regular audits.
Diversified Funding – Avoid reliance on a single revenue source; mix grants, donations, and earned income.
Reserve Funds – Maintain an operating reserve to handle unexpected expenses.

Fundraising & Development

Donor Stewardship – Communicate impact regularly and thank donors personally.
Grant Management – Track deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance.
Ethical Fundraising – Follow professional standards and legal requirements.

Operations & Staff

Effective Policies – Document HR, volunteer, and operational procedures.
Staff & Volunteer Training – Invest in development and clearly define roles.
Performance Evaluation – Regularly assess staff, volunteers, and programs.

Programs & Community Impact

Data-Driven Decisions – Use metrics to evaluate program effectiveness.
Collaboration & Partnerships – Build relationships with other organizations to expand impact.
Equity & Inclusion – Ensure programs and practices serve all community members fairly.

Marketing & Communications

Strong Online Presence – Maintain an updated website and active social media channels.
Storytelling – Share successes to engage supporters and demonstrate impact.
Consistent Branding – Keep messaging and visuals aligned across all platforms.

Strategic Business Planning for Nonprofits

A strategic business plan helps nonprofit organizations stay focused, meet community needs, and clearly define how they will achieve their mission. It also motivates staff, volunteers, and donors by providing clear direction and goals.

Why It Matters

A strong plan helps your organization:

Stay aligned with community needs
Set clear goals and priorities
Communicate your mission effectively
Measure progress and success
Support fundraising and growth

Key Components

1. Vision
Your long-term goals or “big picture” of what the organization hopes to achieve.

2. Goals
Specific priorities based on your vision that are realistic and achievable with available resources.

3. Objectives
Detailed action steps for each goal, including tasks, timelines, and responsible individuals.

Who Should Be Involved

Successful planning includes input from:

Board of Directors
Leadership and staff
Key volunteers and stakeholders

When everyone contributes, there is stronger commitment to success.

Basic Planning Steps

Review past plans and results
Update your mission (if needed)
Assess funding and resources
Set realistic goals
Define clear objectives (who, what, when)
Gain agreement from all stakeholders
Develop a budget and financial plan
Finalize and approve the plan

Common Challenges

Limited time for planning
Belief that planning isn’t necessary
Past plans not being used
Lack of planning leadership

Overcoming these challenges is key to long-term success.

Benefits of a Strategic Plan

Provides clear direction and focus
Improves communication and accountability
Helps measure progress
Strengthens fundraising efforts
Boosts staff and volunteer engagement
Supports recruitment of board members and partners

Final Tip

Keep your plan practical, realistic, and regularly updated. A strategic plan should be a working tool, not something that sits on a shelf.

Building an Effective Board of Directors

A strong Board of Directors is essential to the success of any nonprofit. An effective board provides leadership, ensures accountability, supports fundraising, and helps guide the organization’s long-term vision.

Key Tips for Success

1. Recruit the Right Mix of Skills
Look for individuals with diverse expertise—finance, legal, marketing, fundraising, and community knowledge.

2. Align with the Mission
Choose board members who are passionate about your mission and committed to advancing it.

3. Define Roles and Expectations
Clearly outline responsibilities, including meeting attendance, committee involvement, and fundraising expectations.

4. Prioritize Engagement
Active, involved board members are more valuable than large, inactive boards. Focus on quality over quantity.

5. Support Fundraising Efforts
Board members should be willing to contribute financially and help secure funding through their networks.

6. Provide Orientation & Training
Offer onboarding for new members and ongoing training to keep everyone informed and effective.

7. Encourage Strategic Thinking
Boards should focus on big-picture planning, not day-to-day operations.

8. Foster Diversity & Inclusion
Build a board that reflects the community you serve and brings a variety of perspectives.

9. Evaluate Performance Regularly
Conduct periodic assessments of board effectiveness and make improvements as needed.

10. Maintain Clear Communication
Ensure open, consistent communication between board members and leadership.

Final Tip

An effective board doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally. Invest time in recruiting, training, and engaging your board to create a strong foundation for your nonprofit’s success.

Sample Non-Profit By-laws

This sample is provided for educational purposes only and should be reviewed by legal counsel before adoption.

ARTICLE I – Name & Purpose

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization shall be: _______________________________.

Section 2. Purpose

This organization is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or other nonprofit purposes as permitted under applicable state and federal law.
The mission of the organization is:

ARTICLE II – Offices

The principal office of the organization shall be located at:

The organization may establish additional offices as needed.

ARTICLE III – Membership (If Applicable)

Section 1. Eligibility

Membership shall be open to individuals who support the mission of the organization.

Section 2. Voting Rights

Each member shall be entitled to one vote on matters submitted to a vote of the membership.

Section 3. Meetings

An annual meeting of members shall be held each year at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors.

(If the organization does not have members, state that it is a non-membership corporation governed by its Board.)

ARTICLE IV – Board of Directors

Section 1. Authority

The Board of Directors shall govern and manage the affairs of the organization.

Section 2. Number

The organization shall have no fewer than ____ and no more than ____ directors.

Section 3. Term

Directors shall serve a term of ____ years and may serve up to ____ consecutive terms.

Section 4. Duties

Board responsibilities include:

Establishing policy and strategic direction
Ensuring financial oversight
Hiring and evaluating the Executive Director (if applicable)
Supporting fundraising efforts

Section 5. Removal

A director may be removed by a majority vote of the Board for cause.

ARTICLE V – Officers

Section 1. Officers

The officers of the organization shall include:

President/Chair
Vice President/Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer

Section 2. Duties

President/Chair: Presides over meetings and provides leadership to the Board.
Vice President: Assists and acts in absence of the President.
Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes and records.
Treasurer: Oversees financial matters and reports to the Board.

Section 3. Election & Term

Officers shall be elected by the Board and serve for ____ year(s).

ARTICLE VI – Meetings

Section 1. Regular Meetings

The Board shall meet at least ____ times per year.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President or a majority of directors.

Section 3. Quorum

A majority of directors shall constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VII – Committees

The Board may establish standing or special committees as needed. Committee members shall be appointed by the Board.

ARTICLE VIII – Finances

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the organization shall begin on __________ and end on __________.

Section 2. Financial Oversight

The Board shall ensure proper financial management, including budgeting and annual financial review.

Section 3. Compensation

No part of the organization’s net earnings shall benefit any private individual, except for reasonable compensation for services rendered.

ARTICLE IX – Conflict of Interest

The organization shall adopt and maintain a Conflict of Interest Policy to protect the integrity of its decision-making.

ARTICLE X – Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, provided prior notice of the proposed amendment has been given.

ARTICLE XI – Dissolution

Upon dissolution, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to the federal, state, or local government for a public purpose.

Adoption

These bylaws were adopted by the Board of Directors on this date: ____________

Chair Signature: _______________________________
Secretary Signature: ____________________________

Grant Writing for Nonprofits

Grant writing is a key tool for securing funding to support your nonprofit’s programs and services. A strong grant proposal clearly explains your mission, demonstrates community need, and shows how funds will be used to make a measurable impact.

Successful grant writing starts with researching opportunities that align with your organization’s goals. From there, you’ll need to clearly define your project, outline a realistic budget, and provide evidence of your organization’s ability to deliver results. Funders want to see a clear plan, strong leadership, and meaningful outcomes.

Key tips for success:

Focus on funders that match your mission and programs
Clearly define the problem your organization addresses
Use data to support your need and impact
Be specific about how funds will be used
Follow all application guidelines carefully
Track deadlines and maintain organized records

Grant writing takes time and practice, but it can be a powerful way to grow your organization and expand your impact.

Grant Writing Basics from Grants.gov