What area of your nonprofit has benefited the most from having a specialist on your team?

New Treasurer’s Expertise Revamps Nonprofit Finances

Our new treasurer has provided the board of directors with the balance in our account and on our credit card on a weekly basis. He has appropriately allocated expenditures more efficiently than previous individuals in this role so the board can address areas of concern and track major expenses accurately.

We were fortunate to have found someone to fill this role who is retired with over 40 years of experience in the banking industry and auditing with the Office of the Comptroller General. He streamlined our financial record systems and processes. He has been a game changer for our rescue in 2025.

— Marie Cole from Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta

Investment in Web Management Pays Off

Having an external website manager has benefited us the most. We can see the results in our website analytics — that we get many visits about our fundraising events, educational programs, membership, and the practicalities of registration and ticketing.

Although we’re an all-volunteer organization, we pay this website designer/manager, and that has made the difference. We were previously tethered to our Washington, DC-based organization’s website, which is limited when you get to the branch level.

Our website is now fun and dynamic, and we can change it ourselves as needed. Very much worth the money we pay.

— Linda Barker from AAUW Vero Beach

Communications Expertise Strengthens Community Engagement

The area that has benefited the most from having a specialist on our team is our communications and outreach. When we hired a communications specialist last year, we immediately noticed a positive shift in how we connect with our community and supporters.

Before, our messaging was inconsistent and our social media presence was minimal. With our specialist’s expertise, we now have:

• A cohesive brand voice across all platforms
• Engaging newsletters and social media content
• Increased attendance at events and workshops
• Stronger relationships with local media and partners

This role has allowed us to share our impact more effectively, attract new supporters, and keep our community engaged. Having a specialist has truly elevated our visibility and helped us fulfill our mission more powerfully.

— Jordan L. from Fresh Start Family Services

Specialized Fundraiser Strengthens Long-Term Partnerships

One of the most transformative shifts in our nonprofit’s growth has come from having a dedicated fundraiser on our team. Someone who views development not just as a series of tasks, but as a relationship-driven strategy.

By focusing on funder types such as corporations, foundations, government agencies, and individuals, instead of isolated activities, our specialist has helped us deepen connections with the people behind the support.

This intentional, human-centered approach has strengthened long-term partnerships, opened new doors for collaboration, and allowed us to align our mission with funders who truly resonate with our work.

— Paul Marengo from The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center

Systematic Analysis Boosts Program Quality and Sustainability

At Options For All, we applied the Six Sigma methodology and uncovered a program that was under-performing and losing nearly half a million dollars a year. We implemented operational guidelines and went through a performance analysis to correct the issue.

Rather than simply cutting back, we approached the challenge systematically. We introduced a quarterly leadership playbook as a structured checkpoint to align on strategic, operational, and financial goals. This included establishing KPIs tied directly to financial performance so we could monitor both leading and lagging indicators. Then we defined exactly what each KPI meant, looked into what activities influenced them, and then ensured consistency in our reporting.

When the analysis revealed the root causes of the program’s breakdowns, we used Six Sigma tools to redesign the program’s procedures, controls, and reporting mechanisms. The result was a more efficient use of billable hours and employee time. While we ultimately served slightly fewer individuals, we were able to fully deliver on the authorized hours for those we continued to serve. This raised the quality and consistency of our outcomes while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The program now operates profitably. We are able to reinvest that money back into front-line employee wages, helping us to hire and retain the best direct service professionals for our nonprofit.

— Brian Zotti from Options For All

Note: The opinions and product/service recommendations expressed above are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of Blue Avocado. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity.