What is it about numbers and non-profits?

I’ve taken my share of kind ribbings from Phil the last few months over this topic. To some in the non-profit world, the entry of business-trained and or business-minded individuals into the fundraising and/or philanthropy realm doesn’t make sense.

After all, to some, the “business” of a non-profit isn’t and shouldn’t be about number crunching or bottom lines. Its about helping out and making the world a better place. KPI and ROI aren’t routinely entered into the equation.

But when it comes to fundraising, the need for numbers is growing. Donors want to know where and how the funds will be used. Like it or not, they are making an investment in your venture. While they don’t expect a monetary return, they do expect a social return.

Beyond an annual report, how are you presenting this information to your donors? I like what CARE has done. Several others are using a similar approach. Are these numbers the best indicator of whether or not a non-profit is doing a good job? Of course not. But they provide a window into your organization.

Suppose you are used car shopping on a Sunday afternoon (to avoid any salespeople). You pull up to two similar looking 4 door sedans. One has clear windows, the other has dark tinted windows. The car with the clear windows allows you to see the shape of the interior, whether its a manual or automatic, and how many miles are on the odometer. The tinted windows block your access. The only way to glean additional information is to actually talk to a salesperson the following week. They have to grant you access to the interior. Donors don’t want to wait around for a salesperson. They want to look around and “kick the tires” if you will.

Are your organization’s windows clear or tinted?

I was knighted this weekend. No, I didn’t get to meet the Queen of England, I don’t get to carry around a sword and shield, and I don’t have my own squire (although I do have a Squier guitar. . .but I digress).

I joined my local Knights of Columbus council.  The Knights were founded around the ideal of charity.  During the late 1800’s there wasn’t a safety net for widows and their children.  The Knights banded together to provide for needy families.

Today, the Knights provide financial and volunteer support for community programs and national events like Special Olympics.  I’ll keep you posted on our activities throughout the year.

Are you a Knight? Or are you a member of another service organization? I plan on starting a monthly service organization highlight. I’d love to hear from you.

I saw these words on the side of a semi will driving up I-35 a couple weeks ago. It’s part of a marketing campaign for the U.S. Marines.

It got me thinking. How many fundraisers feel like they need to earn a donation? You do. However noble your mission or dire your cause, you need to prove to the donor that your mission matters. Just because you understand the importance of your mission, doesn’t mean the average person does.

How are you earning it?