Comments for NONPROFIT CHALLENGES

Comment on Soul Surfer – and Passion and Hustle… by Eric Streiff

Eric Streiff — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:53:12 +0000

Thanks Carmen for your comment. Yes, it is always great to find examples of the courage and determination you mention – especially in these uncertain times. We get so caught up in the complexity of the world and the negativity that prevails that we fail to realize what is truly important in life. Eric.

Comment on Soul Surfer – and Passion and Hustle… by Carmen

Carmen — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:48:43 +0000

Eric, what a wonderful way to start my Monday! Thank you for posting this. I did see this movie, a few months back and didn’t realize it was a true story until after. Once I did, my mind, heart and soul were simply in awe at Bethany’s courage and determination. I find, above all, it’s examples of the strength of the “human spirit” that keeps us going.

- Cheers!
Carmen

Comment on Can fundraising be fulfilling? by musaUniomia

musaUniomia — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:50:38 +0000

very interesting, thanks

Comment on Impact of Mission… by Eric Streiff

Eric Streiff — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:55:42 +0000

Jason, Thanks for your thoughts. I really like how touched on what is measurable besides dollars; particularly -

1) donor and volunteer engagement (this is a huge point because our goal needs to be about engaging people in mutliple ways. Its a proven fact that the more ways people are engaged the more value they bring to the nonprofit)

2) Service hours (no question about this one – people want to give their money put perhaps even more importantly they want to give themselves; this is a deep need of everyone, especially the younger generation)

3) Partnerships and reciprocity in the community (interesting thought, this has all sorts of implications that reach way beyond the nonprofit itself; it suggests an impact on the greater community at large and the hidden value that is brought to the public through a nonprofits service to its constituents)

Really great stuff Jason!

Comment on Impact of Mission… by Jason Malikow

Jason Malikow — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:34:07 +0000

Eric, great spark here. Because we do “live and die” by our financial reports, no matter what sector we’re in, and because the bottom line numbers are quick and easy ways for everyone to measure performance, it *is* tempting to measure success in dollars alone. But you’re 100% correct: dollars alone do not tell the whole story.

What don’t dollars measure? Donor and volunteer engagement. Service hours. Partnerships and reciprocity in the community. Network value and reach. Attributes like these are quantifiable, scalable to organization size and mission, and lend themselves to communications and outreach in ways that dollars alone do not.

Comment on Let’s Re-calibrate Our Priorities by AswadKannai

AswadKannai — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:43:37 +0000

Hey – I am definitely delighted to discover this. Good job!

Comment on Should I conduct a development audit? by Make Money From Forex

Make Money From Forex — Sat, 21 May 2011 01:25:41 +0000

Very interesting topic , thankyou for posting .

Comment on Impact of Mission… by Eric Streiff

Eric Streiff — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:09:07 +0000

Gail – Thanks for your comments – you offered some fantastic insights that affirm this perspective. Its exciting to see this played out in your church and to see people truly give from their hearts. Take care, Eric

Comment on Impact of Mission… by Gail Dudley

Gail Dudley — Thu, 12 May 2011 02:19:15 +0000

You are speaking my language. I become concerned when an organization or a church begins to focus solely on the financials.

People build ministries within churches and organizations thinking about the possible dollars raised and not on changed lives. I continue to say, “If we would focus on building relationships and making an impact on indiviudals – lives will be transformed, lives will be impacted, and the money will come.” It is when we chase the almight dollar we lose out on making an impact. It becomes all about the money and not about the person or people.

Me and my husband pastor a church and we refuse to chase after the dollar. People call us crazy, however, we do not pass the offering plates during worship service. The baskets sit on the altar and who so ever will, will come and bring their tithes and or offering to the basket. The offering prayer is a part of the regular prayer – nothing separate. There are times we never mention the offereing, but it never fails – we always have the money needed to pay every bill and give resources to the community surrounding the church.

I like that and I like what you have said in your blog.

Comment on Impact of Mission… by Walter Schwabe

Walter Schwabe — Sat, 07 May 2011 02:01:05 +0000

Hi Eric, I’ve left my email, I’d like to talk to you about your business focus on non-profits…I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Walter