Page 2 - ARCS Oregon Operations Case Statement

aUract and train new members and future leaders. In other words, the Board chose a path which
would advance both the success of the Chapter’s fund-raising efforts and consistency in opera6onal
management.
Professional help is needed because nonprofit organiza6ons are struggling to recruit volunteers who
are willing to do administra6ve work. Younger genera6ons, especially millennials and Gen Z, express
high interest in social causes but oden prefer short-term volunteering opportuni6es that align with
their schedules and values. This shid towards flexible, project-based engagement is difficult for ARCS
Oregon that currently relies on steady, commiUed volunteers to sustain administra6ve work.
What Suppor0ng Opera0ons Will Enable
Dona6ons for improving our opera6ons will affect these areas:
1. 2. 3. Infrastructure and Technology: Aspects of opera6ons include donor management and
stewardship, scholar awards management, member recruitment and renewal,
communica6ons via newsleUer and social media, program/event tracking, alumni tracking,
coordina6ng with university partners, repor6ng, and more. Inves6ng in technology not only
increases efficiency but also improves transparency, accountability, and the ability to measure
impact.
Compliance and Repor0ng: Nonprofits are held to high standards of accountability and
transparency. ARCS Oregon must comply with local, state, and federal regula6ons, including
financial repor6ng, tax filings, and audits. Funds raised for opera6ons ensure that we meet
these requirements, protec6ng our reputa6on and maintaining the trust of donors, partners,
and beneficiaries.
Staffing: Volunteers have played a cri6cal role since our chapter’s incep6on. However, the right
skilled staff can add to efficiency and consistency and help ARCS Oregon maintain its high
standards as we grow. Staffing is more than just overhead. It provides the long-term
infrastructure enabling ARCS to fund our future scien6sts in a strong and consistent fashion.
Conclusion
Opera6ons is the founda6on upon which programs are built, staff are empowered, and missions are
realized. The Board took a transparent approach to educate donors and stakeholders on the
importance of gids to support opera6ons. To that end, the Board is implemen6ng three targeted
giving pathways – Sustaining Gids, the President’s Circle, and Round Up at Member Renewal – to
secure cri6cal opera6onal support.
Ul6mately, an investment in opera6ons is an investment in impact. It fuels the engine of ARCS
Founda6on Oregon’s impact, sustains our organiza6onal excellence, and enables us to rise to every
challenge. Donors, leaders, and our community will affirm their commitment to our mission, when we
recognize and champion the importance of opera6onal funding.
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