Most nonprofits think about getting to the next level only in the form of dollars raised, invested or managed for their agenda. Whether it is raising funds for a new building campaign, investing in programs to help the poor and needy, or managing funds within an endowment, money is often the only mental modality that nonprofits think of when talking about reaching the next level. And the same is often true for the business world. If we only had more money, then we could reach the next level, or if we only could raise more money, get more exposure, then we could reach the next level. But there could be a flaw with this kind of thinking. First, the next level is often talked about in vague terms or in terms of comparing one’s nonprofit with some other nonprofit that at least as the public appearance of having arrived. Remember, not everything that glitters is gold. Second, because there is often vagueness about the next level, many never know when they have reached it or what it should feel like when they have. Getting to the next level also means newer and different problems, which you and your organization may or may not be able to handle adequately. Third, sometimes the next level of growing up is more about being more thoughtful, mature, and grateful as a philanthropic leader rather than simply being able to raise more money. After all, money quickly poofs away, on the other hand, wisdom tends to linger around, even after generously giving it to others. Thus, the next level may entail more intangible assets like wisdom, knowledge and some expertise rather than simply dollars. Finally, when reaching the next level is all about annual operating budgets getting bigger, you might face challenging moments of financial sustainability. This concept is really no different from raising one’s own lifestyle (i.e. spending habits) when they make more money. Rather than being frugal or remaining content, competent, and controlled, the bigger the spending gets out of hand (no matter what the good being accomplished is), the harder it is to maintain it all. One really should look no further than the United States Government and its many welfare programs. The money being spent is at an all time high, while simultaneously being at an all time high debt, while the poor and those supposedly receiving aid continue to decline in being able to maintain any dignity, self-actualization or pride from doing a good old fashion day of work. Therefore, it is vitally important to define what the next level is before you attempt to climb that ladder. After all, if the ladder you are climbing in leaning on the wrong building of assumptions, no matter how high you go, you’ll never get where you really want to be. And in the words of Stephen Covey, you must begin with the end in mind or else you are doomed from the beginning.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 12:14:46 +0000
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