Nonprofits Should Take the Long Term View
pic from Spear
The one thing I hope nonprofits have begun to take away from the recession of 2008-2009 is that diverse funding sources are critical to their long term viability. Nonprofits that have taken the long term view evolve their business model in ways to be more efficient and measurable, to be able to self-finance a base amount of programming. The nonprofit industry has reached an evolutionary milestone in the business model. History shows that a particular model of business must evolve beginning around its 30th year in order to stay viable. I would state that the current models of 501 c 3’s are celebrating their 35th year. As the original team retires from these nonprofits, the board should take a very logical long view of the future of the organization. Where does the organization want to be 5 years from now or 10 years from now? If the board wants a new leader to figure that out that is fine too, but it needs to be clear when making that critical hire.
