After hearing that Brian O'Connell,one of the founders of The Independent Sector had passed I couldn't help think about my mentors. Brian had worked for American Heart Association for 12 years early in his career,before my time,but Earl Beagle, John Connolly, and Warren Duntley spoke highly of Brian and shared his teachings. He was an expert at working with boards and volunteers. He was a real community organizer.
Amazingly, it was at least 30 years ago that I learned from Brian, the fact that I still remember him and his teaching and still apply it is a tribute to him. I know that he would agree with me that the third sector has a greater role to play in the future of our great country. God bless you Brian.
Helping restore the independence of the third (non-profit) sector.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tax the rich or else....
I started thinking about how non-profits could bailout the federal government because I got tired of listening to the debate over the repeal of the Bush tax rate cuts. I'm all for the wealthy contributing more to make this country a better place. I just think that volunteers make better stewards of money than are politicians.
Ask yourself, where do you think that you would you do get the biggest bang for your buck, having it distributed by politicians or by the volunteer board of the non-profits of your choice?
So, instead of fighting about tax rates and cuts in discretionary spending, let there be a choice, go ahead and fix the tax system and give those who must pay over-and-above a choice, pay it in taxes or give it to pay it to volunteer 501(c3)organizations of your choice. One will leverage that dollar by at least 10 times through volunteers and the other will not.
Which would be better for your cause?
Ask yourself, where do you think that you would you do get the biggest bang for your buck, having it distributed by politicians or by the volunteer board of the non-profits of your choice?
So, instead of fighting about tax rates and cuts in discretionary spending, let there be a choice, go ahead and fix the tax system and give those who must pay over-and-above a choice, pay it in taxes or give it to pay it to volunteer 501(c3)organizations of your choice. One will leverage that dollar by at least 10 times through volunteers and the other will not.
Which would be better for your cause?
Cause Related Marketing Takes Many Forms
There are many ways for a business to benefit by relating to a cause. A payment to the non-profit based on sales or projected sales is only one. Probably the most common.
Starbucks has built it's brand on being socially responsible. The non-profits they support have done well.
My company has a cause related marketing program that sells to non-profits at cost. It keeps our employees working when times are slow. In return we get recognition and we get business from the volunteers of those organizations, many of whom have businesses and needs of their own.
My point is, Cause Related Marketing comes in many flavors.
It is essential the business and non-profits support each other. I contend that by working together, non-profits can bail out the federal government. Or at least it is more pleasurable to think about as opposed to the national debt. ;-)
Starbucks has built it's brand on being socially responsible. The non-profits they support have done well.
My company has a cause related marketing program that sells to non-profits at cost. It keeps our employees working when times are slow. In return we get recognition and we get business from the volunteers of those organizations, many of whom have businesses and needs of their own.
My point is, Cause Related Marketing comes in many flavors.
It is essential the business and non-profits support each other. I contend that by working together, non-profits can bail out the federal government. Or at least it is more pleasurable to think about as opposed to the national debt. ;-)
Saturday, April 9, 2011
What if non-profits had all of the funds they needed?
What if non-profits had all of the resources they needed? What if they could print money? Many non-profits depend e federal or state funding. The wise ones have avoided depending on it. If the government runs out of money then what?
It the answer is to raise taxes then let's give these tax payees a choice a choice. Pay 3% more in taxes to pay for discretionary programs or the choice to personally distribute that same amount to 501c3 organizations of your choice. The goal being to have fewer government programs and over site and eventually none.
Does this sound bad or good to you? I will tell you how it sounds to an entrepreneur.
It the answer is to raise taxes then let's give these tax payees a choice a choice. Pay 3% more in taxes to pay for discretionary programs or the choice to personally distribute that same amount to 501c3 organizations of your choice. The goal being to have fewer government programs and over site and eventually none.
Does this sound bad or good to you? I will tell you how it sounds to an entrepreneur.
#Non-profits need to prepare to bail out the federal government
My first career was with a major voluntary health organization (17 years.)
Then as a business owner and defense contractor I experienced what the federal government does well and where it falls short. I respect those who serve in elected, enlisted or civilian employment positions within the government, let's be clear about that!
With the ever increasing federal debt, it looks like the government needs help providing a safety net for the least among us. But wait, didn't that used to be the role of non-profits, looking after those who needed a hand up?
There are three unique sectors that serve our society, government, business, and non-profit volunteer organizations. Now is the time for non-profits, supported by the business sector, to bail out the federal government by assuming full responsibility for the least among us. Uncle Sugar has run out of money. Have faith, we did it once we can do it again!
Then as a business owner and defense contractor I experienced what the federal government does well and where it falls short. I respect those who serve in elected, enlisted or civilian employment positions within the government, let's be clear about that!
With the ever increasing federal debt, it looks like the government needs help providing a safety net for the least among us. But wait, didn't that used to be the role of non-profits, looking after those who needed a hand up?
There are three unique sectors that serve our society, government, business, and non-profit volunteer organizations. Now is the time for non-profits, supported by the business sector, to bail out the federal government by assuming full responsibility for the least among us. Uncle Sugar has run out of money. Have faith, we did it once we can do it again!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Wages as a fixed expense
Since we don't layoff workers we consider labor as a fixed expense or as an expense that is regular part of our overhead. We have very little turn-over and we feel this has helped us maintain quality.
We are very careful in the selection process. Most employees come to us by referral and usually start out as temporary or in the case of exempt staff, contractors. Try before you buy.
We are very careful in the selection process. Most employees come to us by referral and usually start out as temporary or in the case of exempt staff, contractors. Try before you buy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)