The responsibility of a charity

Though a charitable organization's main purpose is not a profit motive, it is important that a businesslike approach is taken to running such an organization in order to ensure continued support from those who serve and those who are served.

What does this mean?

In short, here are a number of aspects the leadership of a charity need to consider.

• The leadership structure and roles are sound with clear lines of authority and responsibilities. 
• There must be great document management and file storage. 
• Meeting minutes need to be out around 72 hours of the last meeting. This so the discussions of the meeting can be expedited in time for the next meeting. 
• Volunteers need to understand that they are accountable for what they have promised to contribute. There really is no room for people to lag. If you're unable to adequately contribute; you may actually be a hindrance rather than a help. 
• You accounting and accountability should be current. Complete with audit reviews on an annual basis. 
• Databases need to be current, these include: volunteers, sponsors, donors, supporters.
• Correspondence must be well managed, stored, and traceable. 
• Meeting participants need to arrive promptly, contribute wholeheartedly, and leave with clarity as to what's required of them by the next time there's a meeting. 
• Training needs to be ongoing, complete with a train-the-trainer program. 
• Budgets should be established to ensure that the organization adequately plans for the needs to further their cause. 

Though this list is not exhausted, you begin to get an idea of the vast responsibility required to ensure the smooth functioning of a charity.