Working Hard(er) for Good

The way things work in almost every avenue of life is changing...

The Not for Profit world is no different. Gone are the days where simple mailing campaigns and monthly donors kept organizations going strong.

From the ever changing gov't funding and annual re-approvals, inconsistent donations and the lack of longevity of key people in influential roles where relationships hold networks together.

Everything is changing.

To stay afloat many NFP's have done many different things...

From partnering up and building a networking web for success to cutting key resources, people and programs. Some have worked diligently to gain the ear of a wealthy individual or foundation with a matching passion and mandate. Some have become experts at lottery or events that raise funds.

Others they see no other option but to put their boots on the ground and begin a social enterprise:

"Social Enterprise Council of Canada describes socially conscious enterprise projects as businesses owned by non-profit organizations directly involved in the production and or selling of goods and services for the blended purpose of generating income and achieving social, cultural, and/or environmental aims."

Evidence that this is (at least part of) the future: The government is funding social enterprise.

From the Toronto Star: "Ontario to invest $4M in businesses with social conscience"

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/02/19/ontario-to-invest-4m-in-businesses-with-social-conscience.html

My Issue: Not for Profits whose aim it is to help others and enhance all of our quality of life through culture, education, social services, caring for the poor and the hurting are now being told in a round about way, you should earn some money too.

I can see if a business wanted to start a NFP with it's profits to give back to the community as valid but asking and hoping NFP's to drum up funding by starting start-up businesses (that have little chance of succeeding) shows me that our corporate world and governments do not fully support and value NFP's and the gap is creating innovative but misplaced business plans.

It is hard enough Not for Profits have to work so hard for people to give generously. Precious time and resource is spent on constantly finding support and engaging supporters with expensive events and incentives. Most Not for Profits lack resources to have a hired person in every major role thus people trained to help others and run programs are also manning telethons and filing endless applications for funding.

Maybe it is time for Corporations to grow thier conscience and take in NFP's, house them and help them to flourish so they can do more of what they exist to do. Time for the Gov't to create more stability for Not for Profits and give them room to grow and create change.

-Or-

Those who are passionate about helping others can work 80 hour work weeks, 40 to make profit and 40 to help others. Is that the way things are going? I hope right from the top down we can aim our dollars at helping others and giving great organizations stable ground to walk on. #Givingisbetter