3 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Working for a Nonprofit

Joan Garry
Joan Garry
7,413
0
Published 2021-09-17
Hey, it's Joan Garry.

You know, I get asked quite a lot if there were things I wish I knew when I moved from corporate America to the nonprofit sector...and, indeed there are. Three of them come immediately to mind.

The first thing is I wish I knew more about managing in three-dimension. What I mean by that is, for 15 years in the entertainment business, I managed to goals, salaries, performance reviews, year-end bonuses, etc.

Some of those things are the same in nonprofits, but not all of them. Now, I am a fierce advocate for pay equity, make no mistake — but, that's not the primary driver.

There are other important drivers: a passion for the mission, the gift and privilege of service, and (here's the one that I wish I knew) that people come to the nonprofit sector expecting to have a voice.

Here's number two — there's a lot of crying in non-profits. I remember the first nonprofit retreat we did as a staff at GLAAD...people started crying.

I was like, What is going on here? I've been to many retreats...but there's no crying at corporate retreats. I say this with affection because it really means that people care at a very deep level.

The third thing I wish that I had known has to do with fundraising. I joined the nonprofit sector with zero fundraising experience (a nonprofit fundraising virgin). Julie, my development director [at the time], gave me the message I needed: It makes people feel good to give money to causes they care about.

It fills them with meaning and purpose, and who doesn't want a bite of that? We're just inviting them to the party.

One last thought, the for-profit sector, corporate America, they have much to learn from the nonprofit sector when it comes to managing in 3D, passion and emotion, and meaning and purpose.

Leading a nonprofit isn't easy. I'm here to help.

Visit www.JoanGarry.com for more nonprofit lessons.

Check out www.NonprofitLeadershipLab.com to learn more about joining our growing community of thriving Nonprofit Leaders!
All Comments (10)
  • @machinegunkellykapoor
    I screamed when you said #2! There's so much crying in nonprofits! 😂 I love it! There's so many passionate, sensitive personalities. I've met all of my closest friends through working at nonprofits. ❤
  • @allseasuntrailsseattle6219
    Our small all-volunteer group is going into an October fundraiser and November strategic planning. This is what I need to take to the group. Thank you for the reminders, Joan. I'm carrying with me reminders about: passion, emotion, meaning and purpose. All the hard work makes us all better.
  • @patrickarthur26
    I don’t have a degree but I really want to help people so I’ll put my resume in and hope for the best
  • @Outdoor_Nathan
    Joan, this is a wonderful video! I have been daydreaming about working for an NGO after I retire from my government job at age 57. I currently work with several NGOs, through a coalition of government and NGO groups, in a shared wildlife conservation program. Each entity brings something of value to the table. It would not be successful without all of the partners. So, I have thought about possibly working abroad for an NGO when I turn 57. I will already be financially stable but still have some years to contribute. Anyway, great words of advice! I have not seen any of your other videos but I totally understand what you are saying. Keep up the good work!