Budget planning is in full swing, which means nonprofit leaders are making tough decisions about where limited funds will have the greatest impact within their organizations. Everything from programs to staffing and operations is competing for space in the budget.
When every dollar needs to serve a purpose, team building often moves to the bottom of the priority list. Intentionally investing in your team helps to reduce stress, enhance morale, improve culture, strengthen relationships, and bridge virtual gaps.
Here are five things to consider as you look ahead and incorporate team building into your organization’s 2027 budget.
Identify your team’s goals
Before you put a dollar amount in your budget, take a minute to think about what you want your staff to accomplish during a team building experience. Can you tie your team’s goals back to your organizational goals? This will help guide you toward the most valuable activities.
Do you want to strengthen communication and collaboration? Is your organization entering a growth season? Maybe you are navigating a complicated transition? Could everyone benefit from developing problem-solving skills?
Review your existing budget
Look at your current budget to see where funds can be distributed. Determine what you can realistically spend on this experience. Start with the total amount available and then explore options that fit.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to plan a large, elaborate event to have meaningful connections with your staff. As you review the budget, look for existing lines that you could pair teambuilding with. For example, a team building retreat could be added to a professional development line or an employee engagement line.
Calculate all the costs and give it a line item
In addition to the activity itself, you’ll need to calculate the entire experience cost. Will you be providing transportation? Will you be catering lunch, meals, or providing snacks? Do you want to rent the full venue for the day? Do you need accommodations for an overnight experience? What supplies will you need to provide?
Identify all the expenses and make sure teambuilding has a clear line in the budget.
Explore options that fit your budget
Jameson Camp offers several facilitated teambuilding activities that align with those goals you set earlier. Their expert staff facilitators customize outings to your team’s intended outcomes, physical activity level, and interests.
Their ground-based and high ropes courses will help your team collaborate, communicate, think creatively, and develop effective solutions. While their rock climbing, 475-foot zipline, and archery options will encourage your team to step out of their comfort zone and take on a new challenge.
Schedule it on the calendar
Once you have identified your budget and the experience you want, don’t stop there. Nonprofit calendars fill quickly with programs, fundraising events, board meetings, community commitments, and everything else required to keep your organization moving. Planning early gives you more time to determine what your team needs, explore your options, and find a date that works for everyone.
Remember, your team is driving the organization’s mission every day. Now is the time to allocate funds to empower the people who make the mission possible. Get outside, grow inside with Jameson Camp. Learn more at www.jamesoncamp.org/retreats.
