How to Improve Internal Communication in a Nonprofit or School
Simple Strategies to Keep Your Team Connected and Aligned
Does your team feel out of sync? Let’s fix that.
In nonprofits and schools, communication is everything. When it works, your team feels informed, engaged, and motivated. When it doesn’t, important messages get lost, staff feel overwhelmed, and suddenly, the left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many organizations struggle with internal communication, but the good news is—small changes can make a huge difference.
Find the Gaps (Before They Become Cracks)
Before making changes, figure out where communication is breaking down.
- Are emails being ignored?
- Do staff feel like they hear about important updates too late?
- Are meetings unproductive (or just way too long)?
A quick staff survey or even a few informal check-ins can help pinpoint what’s working—and what’s not. Once you know the gaps, you can start fixing them.
Make One Place the Go-To for Communication
The key to better communication is consistency. Pick a primary tool—whether it’s Slack, Microsoft Teams, or a simple internal newsletter—and stick with it. When everyone knows where to look for updates, there’s less confusion and fewer “Wait, I didn’t see that email” moments.
Pro Tip: If your team resists new platforms, start small. A biweekly digest of key updates can work wonders before implementing a whole new system.
Meetings & Messages: Keep It Short & Clear
Here’s how to streamline communication:
- Use clear, direct subject lines in emails.
- Keep messages short and to the point.
- Define when a meeting is necessary (hint: not for everything!).
- Summarize action items at the end of every meeting or email.
Create a Culture Where People Actually Speak Up
Excellent communication isn’t just about sending messages—it’s about making sure people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Encourage open dialogue by:
- Holding quick, informal team check-ins.
- Creating anonymous feedback options for staff who might not speak up otherwise.
- Recognizing wins (big or small) to keep morale high
When people feel heard, they’re more engaged.
Invest in Tools & Training
A little training goes a long way. Simple workshops on email etiquette, active listening, or digital communication tools can prevent many misunderstandings.
And if your team is drowning in messages? Try automation tools that send reminders or organize info, so people don’t have to chase down emails or dig through chat threads.
Tip: Many free or low-cost tools (like Google Drive, Asana, or Trello) can help streamline communication without overwhelming your team. Many tools also offer free or reduced rates for nonprofits!
Let’s Make Communication Work for You
If your nonprofit or school struggles with internal communication, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Let’s chat! Sign up for a free insights consultation, and we’ll help you pinpoint quick, practical fixes to improve your team’s efficiency.