When Energy is Low

This month seems to be one where non-profit energy is very low with those on our board. A proposal we put in on a building was just recently declined, and so morale is down and all the hard work seems as though it was for not. So, was it?

Let's think this through a moment. In all honesty we had never put in a proposal before. And, to continue the honesty, it took us a while to get one put together correctly as we had to create it, send it for review and make changes, send it for more review and edit again to make sure it had all the correct and necessary information. Next, we had to get the proposal printed according to the specifics requested, and get it turned in on time. Let's also mention here that we only had two weeks to get everything done. I would say we gained some valuable experience here because we did get everything done on time, and it turned out to be one very well put together proposal even if it wasn't accepted.

Although morale is low right now, I would say all of the hard work was totally worth it, and perhaps that is what our group needs to focus on. This experience has allowed us the ability to know what to expect for the next time, and there will be a next time. So, while energy is low, we must stay focused and move forward. Brush off the rejection and look forward to that one moment when it all falls into place. It's going to happen. The hard part is not knowing when.

Funny Think About Non-Profits...

They move so very slowly!

So what have we accomplished in all this time? Well, we have received many donated items, and donations to keep our donated items in storage. (Be thankful for the little things in life.) And we have made contact with some very influential people within the community, including a meeting with the Governor and other higher ups. The outcome? Well, that's a tough one to answer really.

I am told it takes a good 5 years to figure out if you will be a successful non-profit. This is because running a non-profit is just like running a business, only you have a clear understanding that you will never make any money doing so. No getting rich here, just working hard to make a difference in the world. And when I say working hard, I mean working your butt off.

This journey has been long and full of more ups and downs than the longest roller coaster. Yet somehow among the lowest of the lows we have managed to keep moving forward. And the biggest lesson we have learned is it's all in who you know. Talk to the right people at the right time and you may find information on more people to talk to with real decision making power. However, the decisions they make may not be what you wanted to hear. All things come in due time though.

It comes down to a balance of taking the good with the bad, or the other way around depending on the situation at hand. New ideas take time to grow and need support like the most fragile flower. Word of mouth is paramount to your success so taking the time to talk to everyone you know and haven't met yet is priority. And it takes time for trust and sometimes understanding to build to the point of actual support. But it will come in time.

So, stay focused and keep beating the pavement and getting the word out there on what your goals and dreams are for your non-profit. In due time, events will happen that will change your world.

As to my non-profit, well, I'll keep you posted...