A Short-Term Problem?
- Chris B.
- May 27
- 2 min read
I've been thinking about nonprofit myths lately. Those stories we tell each other in the industry that seem true, that drive decisions, and that sometimes cause some harm.
Here's one that I used to really believe.
The ultimate goal of every nonprofit (I was told) was to go out of business because the mission has been accomplished.
That story was a story of selflessness. The minute we aren't needed, we'll close up shop and go do something else with our time.
Now, this story doesn't hold up to the slightest bit of scrutiny. I don't think some nonprofit organizations (like the hospital I worked at) has any plans to close up shop.
And while the case could be made that some nonprofit causes should be solved -- such as hunger and homelessness -- it's clear that these systemic issues aren't going to go away on their own, and certainly not because of the efforts of one organization.
I think this myth has also been used to justify some of the worst aspects of our industry - especially when it comes to how we treat and compensate nonprofit employees. If we think - even subconsciously - that our nonprofit work is a temporary situation, we might be more inclined to under-invest in our people and systems.
After all, we're going to wrap all this up soon. Right?
Nonprofits aren't going away any time soon and our work is more important than ever. In the absence of massive social change, I think nonprofits represent the clearest path for people to make the world kinder, safer, healthier and better, starting with their own communities.
Have you heard this nonprofit myth? What other stories were told about the industry?
PS - I help nonprofits do more - and raise more - for their mission. Ready? Reply to this post and we'll get started.
PPS - Join me on June 17 for a free webinar hosted by Auctria. I'll be talking about ways to design an engaging fundraising event. Register here: https://www.auctria.com/webinar/designing-engaging-events-three-questions-that-matter/
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