Is your nonprofit looking for a new way to boost interest in your cause? Does it need to save money? Seek out, donors? Build diversity? Coworking can be a huge help with all of these goals.
That’s right, coworking – sharing a workspace with other people and organizations – is the perfect fit for nonprofits. Here’s why.
Containing Costs
First let’s look at cost, which is always a concern in budget-conscious nonprofits. Coworking environments are usually membership-based, where each member pays a monthly all-inclusive rate.
This is a breath of fresh air for a nonprofit. Imagine being able to stop paying the electric bill, water bill, trash bill, and all the other utility costs. Plus, there’s no more building maintenance or worrying about where your employees and volunteers will park.
With coworking, you minimize the expenses that constantly drain money from your mission. This helps your nonprofit survive and thrive. A whopping 75% of nonprofits report having more stable cost management after moving to coworking.
Dealing With Workstation Issues
At nonprofits, it can be hard to carve out space for people to work. You might be in a 50-year-old building or an awkward office space. Cubicles, chairs, and desks are all expensive to buy.
Nonprofits also usually can’t afford the latest and greatest IT solutions. You probably have old computers and no budget for IT help. You might not even have enough outlets to keep everyone’s devices up and running.
A coworking community eases your workstation worries. Coworking offers shared and private workspace, including charging stations and ergonomic seating.
And there’s always staff nearby if you need help using the coworking community’s office equipment. This means your team can stay comfortable and productive.
Building Relationships
Here’s another big benefit: Coworking is terrific for building the kinds of relationships a nonprofit needs. Coworking communities are full of people who love to collaborate.
Among the members of the coworking community, you might find potential donors, new volunteers, free business advice, and fresh sources of creative inspiration. It’s an energizing environment that offers a constant stream of resources for nonprofits.
This leads to another great thing about coworking: It offers free events for networking and education. These events can be a great way to give your nonprofit team some free training – not to mention some fun socializing.
It’s good for your reputation, too. 83% of nonprofits using coworking report improvements in organizational credibility and ability to achieve goals.
Welcoming Diverse Opinions
If your nonprofit supports inclusivity and diversity, coworking is right on board with that mission. Coworking welcomes everyone and helps people feel like part of a community.
Spread the word about your organization by posting on the community board, or actively seek out diverse views in the communal space. Hold your own special event. Schedule a public meeting. Look for a mentor.
Coworking is a way to reach out to the community and invite them right into the heart of your organization. Have you considered it at your nonprofit yet?
To learn more, contact Victory Workspace for more information. We help nonprofits find inspiration and fulfill their missions.
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