Nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes work toward furthering their missions through program development and execution, marketing and communications, and the all-important fundraising and development process, just to name a few. But in order to complete the day-to-day functions of your mission, nonprofits must invest in and maintain their facilities, which may range from a small office to an entire campus of buildings.
Beginning on August 7, the Atlanta Chapter of International Facility Management Association (IFMA Atlanta) will present the five-part Certificate of Nonprofit Facility Management through GCN’s Nonprofit University and IFMA’s Nonprofit Partnership Program. IFMA Atlanta professionals will assist nonprofit professionals in mastering the essentials of renovating and maintaining their facilities with minimum impact on their operating programs. Whether your organization has a full-time facilities manager, or that responsibility is shared among several staff members, this certificate series will provide key steps to ensure the proper day-to-day management and future planning for your nonprofit’s facilities.
To provide a foundation for this certificate series, grade your organization’s facilities management against our top five tips for ensuring that your buildings will meet the needs of your mission tomorrow and beyond.
Know your building! The first step in successful facility management is a complete assessment of your building – building envelope, interior finish, mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment – identifying the condition of every aspect of your facility and setting priorities for renovation and repair. With this information, you can establish short-term needs and long-term goals.
- Document the information you have collected! Who do you call when the phone system goes out? What is the paint specification for that wall needs repair? Who has the maintenance contract on the HVAC that just went down? Without a Facility Maintenance Manual, how will you, or someone else in your absence, know who to call or how to solve the problem quickly and efficiently?
- Be smart with renovations and expansions! Planning and construction does not have to be inefficient and frustrating. A knowledgeable facility manager knows how to identify the work to be done, engage and manage the appropriate contractors and consultants, and see that the project is properly executed for the best dollar value.
- Embrace the benefits of sustainable practices! What is meant by “green buildings” and what is required for “going green?” It sounds like a budgetary challenge, but in reality, implementing sustainable renovations and practices can bring positive results to both facility and budget, and garner support through community initiatives available to nonprofit organizations.
- Be safe and secure! Is your building well organized? Do you have security challenges? What would you do in case of fire, flood, or any other emergency or disaster? In the final session, our certificate series will explore systems and practices to help you ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and visitors.
Join us beginning August 7 for this vital program on Managing the Nonprofit Facility, and learn to maximize the impact of your facility dollars and enhance your operating programs with a well-planned and well-maintained facility!
