Danger: Icky Money Ahead! — When Nonprofit Leaders Won't Ask Volunteers

I'm afraid I was more sounding board than counsel to Clair during our call. Changing entrenched mind-sets such as those she described is very, very difficult. Frankly, I wonder if it's possible to right this ship without a leadership change. Clair senses this.

We ended our call with an agreement to circle back in a month. My prediction? Clair will be seeking another job.

There you have it. A real-life example of a qualified development professional stymied to the point of moving on.

And yet, if she does leave, Clair's departure will not motivate the organization's leadership to look inward. It'll continue to cry poor.

What a loss — for the organization and would-be donors. But most of all for those whose lives won't be changed for the better.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Clair for reaching out.

Let me hear from you. Please share your situation and the challenges you face in developing sustainable revenue streams. Email me (info@TheEightPrinciples.com), and I'll arrange a brief consult providing you with practical guidance. I'll choose some of these thorny obstacles to share, along with my insights, in upcoming columns.

Success is waiting. Go out and achieve it!