What Nonprofits Can Learn From The Kansas City Chiefs Success 

Success Breeds Success

The Kansas City Chiefs are going for their third straight Super Bowl title this weekend. Many bemoan their success! While they may not like the Chiefs, there is one undeniable thing about them: their success.

Since the Chiefs paired their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes with veteran head coach Andy Reid, there has been no stopping them! What makes them so successful? There are a few lessons in their play that can apply to you in the nonprofit fundraising world!

1. A well-thought-out game plan: The Chiefs create a solid game plan, train for execution, and then deliver. The same is true for non-profit organizations; set your game plan, train your staff, and let them execute. Putting the right people in the right places to execute the game plan helps you be successful in fulfilling your mission!
2. Make changes on the fly as needed: The Chiefs have a unique ability to make changes on the fly, whether it is at halftime or on a broken play. Patrick Mahomes is brilliant at finding creative solutions to a broken play! Feel free to pivot from your strategy if the time is right. Being agile in finding creative solutions to the age-old questions helps donors see you as responsive and on the forefront.
3. Success breeds success: The Chiefs attract players to their team because of their success. Who wouldn’t want to join a winning team?  Harvard University, which has a large endowment, still raises a significant amount of money every year.  All of us like to be a part of a winning team. Talk about how donors have helped you succeed! It is not bragging; it is simply encouraging a winning culture!

As a non-profit organization, having a well-thought-out game plan and making changes on the fly while celebrating and breeding success will help you move your mission forward.  There is no Super Bowl for non-profits, but your cause is the ultimate winner!