Nonprofit Survival Tip: Realize that Nonprofits are Businesses

One of the biggest mistakes that I notice many people entering nonprofits make (myself included) is assuming that since nonprofits are in the business of saving people, being critical is difficult or even unfair.

Nonprofits have the unique position of attracting people with a passion to do good in the world; to leave the places they inhabit a little bit better than they found them. Therefore it is not uncommon to come across mission statements that read like holy texts: they are rescuing, preserving, saving, increasing, controlling, and maintaining something in virtually every aspect of human life. Such breadth is refreshing to those of us who constantly have to remind people that nonprofits serve a greater role in this country than just serving up bread at the local soup kitchen (although such an act is incredibly important). At the same time, the grandeur tasks make us more likely to ignore one critical fact: nonprofits are businesses.

When I first visited the place where I currently work I was blown away by its mission: revolutionizing communities through art. Taking abandoned buildings and turning them into parks while offering innovative art classes to disadvantaged young people. Everyone in the building looked so happy and engaged that I couldn’t wait to start. And I also couldn’t come up with a single important question to ask.

I was blinded by what I call the “nonprofit mystique”: the glamour of saving lives and social justice. I was so caught up its super shiny mission that questions about organizational structure, professional development, and day-to-day responsibilities of the job went unasked.

As a result I find myself frustrated and disappointed. I have learned that it is OK to be critical and to assess the organization on more than just its kind words. While you should be invested in the organization’s mission, you should also seek fair compensation. You should realize that there are other organizations that fulfill a similar mission in a better fashion. You should understand that money, time, structure, and law are just as important to nonprofits as they are to for-profits: they just matter differently.

In other words, you’ll feel less guilty about being critical and more comfortable accepting the fact that you cannot do all of the good work that you have the potential to do if the place where you are working is not appropriate for you or just not working well at all.