Belonging in the Vision

Why do so many struggling nonprofits struggle?

It's not for lack of money - giving is up (again) year-over-year to 501(c)3's - so that's not the problem.

The money is there, but struggling organizations can't see beyond people as ATMs.

What nonprofits don't seem to see is who makes all the good they do possible.

It's not just their sacrificial do-gooding.

It's their unwillingness to see who makes everything possible.

Yes, the generous community who wants to be part of doing something good.

Those who have money but not time (and nonprofit organizations are, by definition, those who have time but no money).

That is, nonprofits NEED good people to give away their hard-earned money because they want to be good - they want to be part of a community of those who define their best selves by their giving.

So, where do they appear - explicitly - in the nonprofit's mission, vision, and values?

What's that...? They aren't mentioned... at all?

Then how does a nonprofit expect to do all their good work?

Oh, yes, the ATMs they call 'donors' - that's how.

(And everyone's still wondering why so many organizations struggle?!)

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