A nonprofit’s approach to construction

A nonprofit’s approach to a construction project involves unique considerations. This year, our team at Stateline Youth For Christ began the construction of a new youth center on Charles Street. We learned a lot and think the following might be transferable principles for other nonprofits that are endeavoring a similar building project.

Location, location, location
This old mantra is critical for a nonprofit to consider too. We asked this guiding question when evaluating locations: What is the best location to continue our mission, increase accessibility to our programs, and best reach our target market? When we found a prospective location, we pursued a thorough evaluation process involving leaders in our organization, board members, and other community members, each bringing diverse insight and critical skills into the process. This analysis uplifts healthy stewardship and results in a well-informed decision on a strategic location.

For our project, we knew it was critical to be positioned within proximity of local schools to increase accessibility for local youth. It took years to discern options and ultimately land on what we consider a slam-dunk location near East High School and Lincoln Middle School.

Champions as partners
Expertise is great, but passion among the key teams involved in construction made a big difference in helping our project go smoothly. Our team values project partners who believe in our mission and are genuinely excited about this project. From our architect (Zach Enderle of 1919 Architects) to general contractor (Ringland-Johnson), we have experienced champions of our mission who see the unique potential for this project to transform young people’s lives. When everyone in the boat is rowing in one direction, we move faster and more efficiently as a cohesive team. Our advice is to pick vendors that catch the vision to make the rest go smoothly.

Mission-driven communication
In the age of marketing overload through email and social media platforms, it’s difficult to get information in front of people and garner their attention. A construction project, however, provides an unprecedented opportunity for a nonprofit to share their project with the general public and catalyze their mission forward. Communication with stakeholders and the community is critical to create excitement surrounding your project using multiple forms of communication. Cover the basics including frequent broad communications via newsletters and social media updates. Additionally, key leaders should not only share directly about the project’s vision with major donors, but they should also welcome thought leadership and visionary ideas from such supporters.

Engage news outlets
Nonprofits should also consider appropriate and timely connections with news outlets, especially regarding milestone events such as a groundbreaking event or grand opening. Prepare your key leaders to be interviewed with key messages and concise talking points.

Seek wise counsel
Find people who have “been there and done that.” Such a development for a nonprofit is exciting but it’s also daunting. It presents challenges that will stretch the organization’s leadership and board. It is easy (and expected) for nonprofits to have blind spots in the process.

We soaked up wisdom from a variety of experienced leaders and sought their counsel regularly. We have received guidance in many areas including budgeting, project task management, security, technology, etc.

Consult your board
Make sure part of your counsel comes from board members, who you have kept regularly informed about the project. It will be incredibly challenging to tackle a construction project of magnitude without collaboration within your organization. Invite board members into the journey and welcome their expertise.

Monitor change orders
Be very clear with your construction partner with regards to your budget. Most nonprofit organizations lack the funds to handle unexpected and sometimes costly change orders. If you don’t really need something, feel free to say no. No one should be offended. A good construction company will review all change orders with a representative from your organization and will require signatures in order to move forward with changes.

Build excitement
Passion for the project within your team is critical, as execution is going to take sacrifice and big effort. Your team needs to understand how this building will fit into your purpose and values and how it will propel your organization forward.

There’s much more to say about a nonprofit’s approach to a construction project. But hopefully, this provides a solid foundation. Strategize over location, identify champions as partners, communicate, engage news outlets, bring your board on the journey, monitor change orders, and get your staff excited about this new endeavor.

And more than anything, do not pursue this alone. Seek wisdom through wise counsel. Become a “sponge” in soaking up as much insight as possible. Embrace this posture and watch your construction project flourish.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce.