Every day across this country and, for that matter, the world, executives of
nonprofits struggle to find dollars to support their programs and general
operations.
Many times, they seek out funds that are available and change their programming
to meet the criteria for securing them. In a short period of time, the dollars
begin to drive the programs rather than the mission.
While taking dollars for non-mission driven programs seems like a feasible
alternative to cutting hours, layoffs or closing the doors, it is one of the
quickest ways to alienate an organization from those who would support it for
the effective programs and services that are dictated by its mission.
Budgeting should be based in the core beliefs of the organization and driven by
those services that the governing board has deemed critical. It is not looking
at what you think you will receive and then determining how to spend it.
Providing well-run, quality programs and services that are mission driven and
address the needs of a community will result in the organization having the
capacity to secure the funding they require without diluting the very principles
upon which it was founded.
