Non-profits are complex. “Customers” are not the sole drivers of financial stability, and revenue is not the only measure of success. Non-profits need to be concerned with whether the service being successfully delivered, and if it is directly contributing to the organization’s mission.
What is unique to non-profits is that the long-term viability of these organizations usually relies on maintaining relationships with multiple stakeholder groups, which is more complex than simply tracking customer purchasing activity. Assessing this from a management perspective means somehow measuring it.
We understand the service delivery relationship is a critical strategic measurement for non-profits. To address this, we have developed ways to tailor the Net Promoter Score (NPS) approach as a strategy tool for non-profit organizations. Traditionally, NPS is a private-sector customer loyalty methodology, which measures how likely customers are to recommend Company XYZ to their friends or family. For non-profits, here are a few thoughts to consider for “customizing” the NPS concept of the customer – the first step in applying this metric approach to non-profits:
- Morph the concept of ‘customers’ into unique stakeholder groups who are directly impacted by the service delivered by non-profits. This could be your members, volunteers, donors, partners, etc.
- Identify how the mission of the non-profit attracts each stakeholders group to the organization, and understand what types of positive interactions and experiences are critical to keep them engaged.
- Examine the channels of communication that you currently have to reach your stakeholder groups and if these channels can support survey distributions. Determine the percentage of customers you can reach, which will be key to your implementation planning.
Non-profits simply need to know how they are doing with all key stakeholders as they interact with them. This understanding should happen way before donation checks are written or volunteers are asked to dedicate their time to the next need or effort.
By collecting member and stakeholder feedback, non-profits have a powerful strategy tool with data and stories to improve processes, market more effectively and make key personnel decisions.
StrategyCheck
How can your organization provide more value to your stakeholders and community?
