Process and Procedures ALWAYS Win

There was a recent article in a local paper that indicated local law enforcement had arrested a nun for removing just short of $1 million from the convent’s treasury without formal authorization. As a part of the investigation, local law enforcement had discovered the large gambling habit of the nun, which drove the need for the money.

While the story is sad, I really don’t want to concentrate on the specifics of this one instance. I think there’s a greater conversation to be had.

There are more than 1.2 million nonprofits in the United States, with nearly 90 percent of those being smaller fundraising operations with only a few people or even just volunteers. These smaller groups run on a shoestring budget and generally are interested in providing very narrow services for specific needs within their community.

Even though small, good governance should be a strong effort for everyone. Regardless of size. And the story of the nun and the convent is a sad but important one to realize the importance of good governance processes. While we want to trust everyone, we set up process “checks and double-checks” not for the people for whom we think we can or can’t trust, but for the betterment of the organization as a whole. 

Who would’ve believed a nun would abscond with the money? The point is it shouldn’t matter. In this case, multiple people counting the money, auditing it, double-counting it, different people taking in money versus depositing the money, etc. would most likely have alleviated the outcome of the situation. I also think about all the stories I read, every year, about a small church group or parent groups where the money disappeared…each making me feel sad because it could have been avoided.

Regardless of size or staff, make sure that you’re setting up the process and procedures to protect the organization as a whole, no matter who is involved in any one moment in the lifespan of the nonprofit.