The only part of a non-profit that isn't of profit is that a non-profit isn't supposed to make a financial profit. Other than that accounting reality, there is so much I love about being a part of a non-profit. Let me count the ways:1. It takes "faith" to run a non-profit. Think about it, people give your organizations money to provide a service for someone other than the one who gave the financial gift. In other words, a non-profit lives, survives and thrives on whether people give financially without getting anything in return (other than the fact that "it is more blessed to give than receive"). Unless the Lord inspires, nudges people to give, it won't happen. "Without faith it is impossible to please God…" living by faith creates a sense that He is pleased that "faith" is being how the non-profit leader and community is living and leading.
2. Non-profit helps those who need help the most. It's the non-profits that are feeding the poor, clothing the naked, mentoring the fatherless, loving kids, providing shelter and the list goes on. Non-profits benefit and bless society more than anyone realizes. Take out non-profits from the fabric of our nation and there would be an implosion within days in our nation.
3. Particular non-profits capture and cause volunteers to come alive like never before. You know that look. It's that look that volunteers have when the plug into a non-profit and feel alive in their hearts as never before. It's as though they found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Their world has been rocked. They talk about their experience with their family and friends, encouraging others to get involved like them. This happens at the Board of Directors level as well as the hands on level. Volunteers don’t care that they’re not getting a paycheck. The payoff is the fulfillment of serving and giving hope to others in need. There’s this feeling, "This is what I was created to do!", "This is my purpose in life."
4. Usually, the vision of the non-profit is bigger than those involved. In other words, what the non-profit is trying to accomplish is so big and audacious, it's that impossible vision that draws people in to see the impossible become a reality. People want to be a part of something that is an adventure, challenge…impossibility. The mundane of life fades into the background of the dream of the non-profit. I love dreams like: ending starvation in the continent of Africa, providing drinking water for a whole village, reaching a whole nation with His love. Big words like: nation, all, entire, generation, vision, dream, mission, nations, and world. Non-profits, by their very nature, are attempting something that seems impossible.
5. Non-profits are messy. Every day is an adventure: staff issues, giving, no giving, building issues, parents, families, bi-laws, the Law, victories, devastating losses, joy, tears, confusion, breakthrough, discouragement, growth, lives changed, lives lost, PR, no PR, grants, foundations, great Boards, unengaged Boards. In the midst of the messes, there’s the thrill of the journey, the unknown, and then…"the answer", "the breakthrough", the "changed life", the "saved life". Count me in!
6. Non-profits leave a lasting legacy. People impacted by the mission of a non-profit, forever sing the praises of how his/her life was changed. It was the care and concern of those associated with the non-profit who made an eternal difference in the hearts and lives of others. In the years that follow, even after the death of the non-profit servant, the recipients never stop telling others about how life is different for the good.
7. Non-profits are full of people of excellence. People who lead and participate in the mission of non-profits are some of the most effective leaders in society. They're educated, visionaries, organized, full of character, strategic-thinkers, inspirational and courageous. Many shoot for personal success and hope for significance eventually. Non-profit people experience significance because of the success of those they serve.
