Non-profit organizations face many of the same issues as for-profit organizations.
However, in other areas, they face bigger challenges than their for-profit counterparts.
Most non-profit organizations, even very small ones, have a Board of Directors comprised of volunteers. In fact, in an effort to include as many community stakeholders as possible, or to attract big names to their cause, these boards are usually larger than in a for-profit organization.
Including many people from varied backgrounds is a great way to gain perspective that would help the non-profit in the completion of their mission.
However, getting a large number of people from varied backgrounds and different agendas to work together and reach consensus can be rather difficult. There is usually a large amount of turn over on the board as new members are added and other members are rotated off the board.
Many non-profits were started by individuals with a passion for a particular issue or concern who are not necessarily trained in modern business practices or organizational processes.
Because most non-profits rely on charitable donations for working capital, they run on a shoe-string budget. Therefore, most rely on volunteer labor to fulfill needed positions. Many volunteers are utilized to fill the FTE of necessary positions.
Due to the challenges they inherently face, non-profits can benefit greatly from regular intervention from a professional well versed in organizational processes.
Much of the work involves facilitating goal setting and strategic planning sessions, as well as ongoing leadership and staff training and development.
Robert Highbaugh
