The Rundown - Sharpening the Axe - March 17, 2023
The Stanford Social Innovation Review wants our edges to be sharpened. Will nonprofits get cut in the process?
“If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” - Abraham Lincoln
The above quote is attributed to our nation’s sixteenth and most consequential President, Abraham Lincoln. I am not completely sure if the quote is truly something Lincoln actually said, but even if this quote is nothing more than modern American mythology, the lesson makes a lot of sense. Time spent in preparation of a task is rarely time wasted. Regardless, the quote came to mind as I read this piece from the Stanford Social Innovation Reivew, entitled “Sharpening Your Edges” by Gabriel Kasper, Justin Marcoux and Jennifer Holk.
My read of the article gives the impression that philanthropy is undergoing a significant shift. The shift is based on the fact that funders were always in a place to call the shots; these were the players that set the context, they didn’t need to respond to it. The authors make the argument that funders need to adopt an “outside-in” worldview; the capacity to make sense of trends and ideas that could change their work in the future.
But what does that new context look like? What are the new trends? In many cases the answer is “it depends”. No two funders, let alone no two communities are alike. Each have different goals, aspirations, threats and struggles. Yet, where we stand often determines how we see the world. From my little outpost in a small city in the Midwest, I know our struggles are different than if I was in a more urban or more rural context.
My biggest fear is that as foundations of all shapes and sizes are starting to look at what they consider their own context they are working and funding, they are inadvertently leaving out those groups that they have close relationships with — the nonprofits that they are often supporting.
As we see foundations start to look at things such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, nonprofits are starting to wonder if they are going to be left out in the cold when funding comes around when the good work they have always done *could* no longer go funded since the work may not meet the goals funders created in a vaccum. I was recently in a discussion about how such policies impact rural nonprofits and it was lively, for sure.
The struggle comes in when it is well known that nonprofits have always been on the front lines of working for equity and social justice. Nonprofits have traditionaly looked past gender, racial and class dynamic to serve the least, the last and the lost. Are those nonprofits that have balanced a managerial midset along with the concerns of under-represented populations going to be left out in the cold?
Most nonprofit executive directors have spent numerous hours in training and education to work to create their own shops as effective and efficient as possible. Working within this managerial mindset that has been drilled into us, our sector’s leaders were taught by founders to count outputs, create logic models, establish Key Performance Indicators and make decisions based on data and the insights that numbers can provide.
Now, these directors are at risk of being pushed into positions to value a different set of metrics. A set of metrics that is often not well defined and not easily tracked. Where is nonprofit and philanthropy management going here in 2023?
So, as we are sharpening out axes, we need to be very cognizant of what trees we are trying to chop down. Our organizations are still here to try to serve those that often times can’t serve themselves and our organizations will continue to thrive on the generosity of a free society. But as we start to see a greater desire to acheive amorphous and ill-definted goals, we certainly risk losing a results-based, data-driven approach to solving our society’s most pressing issues. It can be debated on whether this is a net-positive or net-negative for our future.
For nonprofits, we need to understand that everytime we sign on to receive funding from any organization (or any donor, for that matter) is that we are creating a relationship with that funder and we are meeting goals that are either 1) specific goals of the funder or 2) the shared goals the funder has with our organizations.
While we appreciate the financial support that philanthropic funders provide, we need to recognize that support certainly comes with a price. We have to ask ourselves if the juice is worth the squeeze.
The Weekly Notebook
A quick rundown of what I am seeing and hearing in the nonprofit world….
Now Hiring!
I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!
Also, the local CASA/GAL agency in Troy, Ohio is looking for a new staff member as well. It’s a great agency with solid leadership. If you have interest, please let me know by sending an email to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and I will share what I know.
The Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving Miami and Shelby Counties in Ohio is looking to a hire a Community Development Director. This looks like a great posiiton for anyone interested in helping build communities and affordable housing. The position is located in the growing community of Troy, Ohio. You can look at the listing here. Applications are due April 15, 2023.
Another organization in Troy, Ohio is also hiring. Troy Main Street, which is the major downtown development non-profit in the community, is looking for their next Executive Director. You can learn more about the position from their website at www.troymainstreet.org and scroll down to the “jobs” tab.
What Can We Work on Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced
If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings and it has been a blast working with nonprofit leaders all across the country! If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
Check us out on our LinkedIn Page
Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.
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