Note: This guest post is from Rhianna Simes and Brooke Nuckles of Growing Assets LLC. Thanks Brooke and Rhianna!
January offers a fresh start. One powerful exercise to consider this month is asset mapping. This practice will help identify your organization’s strengths, opportunities, and hidden resources that can drive your mission forward.
Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, take a moment to ask, “What’s working well?”
Asset mapping is rooted in the belief that your organization is already equipped with valuable resources that can be leveraged for success. Use this approach and you might discover that your glass is half-full – or even more than half-full.
What is asset mapping?
Asset mapping identifies and builds upon existing resources, rather than solely addressing needs. It’s not about searching for deficiencies, but rather recognizing the gifts, skills, relationships, and opportunities already available.
According to Wikipedia, an asset is “anything (tangible or intangible) that can be used to produce positive value.” While this definition is often used in financial contexts, it applies just as well to nonprofits.
By taking the time to identify your assets, you gain a better understanding of the valuable resources already at your disposal: resources that can lead to future success.
The concept of asset-based development was popularized by John P. Kretzmann and John L. McKnight in their book Building Communities from the Inside Out. They identify three types of assets:
- Individuals. The skills, talents, and capacities of people within the organization or community.
- Citizen associations. Local groups where people come together to pursue shared goals, such as volunteer organizations, religious groups, or social clubs.
- Institutions. Organizations such as schools, businesses, hospitals, and government agencies that can support your efforts or become potential partners.
These assets, when identified and nurtured, can become the foundation for stronger programs and partnerships, helping your organization make a greater impact.
Why asset mapping matters for nonprofits
Asset mapping is essential for nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers. By taking stock of your organization’s resources, you can uncover skills, relationships, and networks that may not be immediately obvious.
Ask these questions during the mapping process:
- What skills and talents do your board members and volunteers possess?
- What community connections or networks are they a part of?
- What institutions do they belong to or interact with?
For example, your board member Shin may regularly participate in bingo nights with the Rotary Club at the local community center. This connection could open doors for outreach, collaboration, new partnerships, donations, or volunteers – potentially leading to new community supporters and allies.
Practical tips for asset mapping
Here are a few ways to begin asset mapping at your nonprofit.
1. Start with your board. At your next board meeting, conduct a brief inventory of your team’s skills, connections, and interests to uncover hidden resources.
Document these skills so you can refer to them when delegating tasks or planning projects. Over time, you’ll also identify any gaps that may inform future board recruitment.
2. Tap into your volunteers. Volunteers are valuable sources of skills, community connections, and passions that can benefit your organization. Ask them directly what they can offer – don’t assume that you know. Consider using a survey or check-in questions at meetings to gather this information.<
For example, Juan might have a talent for writing and could help craft thank-you letters for your year-end campaign. These contributions allow you to maximize your volunteers’ skills and engage them more deeply in your work.
3. Track your findings. Once you begin identifying assets, keep a record. Create a central document where you track the skills, connections, and affiliations of your board, staff, and volunteers. This can serve as a valuable reference when planning events, seeking partnerships, or launching new programs.
4. Leverage community relationships. Ask your board members and volunteers about the institutions they’re connected to, whether through work or personal interest. The deeper your organization’s connections to the community, the more resources you can tap into.
Shifting to an asset-based mindset
When you focus on assets – whether human, institutional, or relational – you quickly realize that everyone brings something valuable to the table. This approach fosters creative solutions and reinforces the idea that together, we are stronger.
By shifting from a focus on deficits to one of opportunities, nonprofits can better see their potential. This mindset encourages collaboration and resourcefulness, allowing you to make the most of your existing assets.
Asset mapping is an effective way to harness your nonprofit’s existing strengths and lay the foundation for continued success in the months ahead.
Want more info? Check out this helpful article by Donnie Maclurcan, The Power of Asset-Based Approaches in Mobilizing for Social Change.
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