The Disconnect

One of the biggest adjustments I had to make in my transition from for-profit business to not-for-proft ministry has to do with the disconnect between our “customers” and our revenue. In business, the old adage is typically true: provide a great product at a great value, and the rest takes care of itself. In other words, focus on delivering a good product and the revenues will follow. (Simplistic, I know, but generally true.)

The disconnect for nonprofits is that our customers, that is, those who use and benefit from our “products” are not the ones who provide the revenues. In other words, we can hundreds of happy customers, customers who are eager to continue using our products and services, but our revenue does not necessarily correlate. 

Many nonprofits run at capacity for their staff and facility. They simply can’t add any more participants without sacrificing the quality of service they provide to the participants. In a for-profit paradigm, they could increase the price, and let the laws of supply and demand adjust our revenues, allowing them to invest in more personnel or additional facilities. But that approach simply doesn’t work in ministry. Accepting one child would mean rejecting another, which is an impossible choice. 

Don’t let there be a disconnect between the hearts and minds of your donors and the benefits you’re providing to others.

Sometimes we try to please our constituents/clients/participants. Sometimes we seek the approval of our donors or grant providers. Sometimes we simply aim to please our bosses or the board. But our goal, our one and only goal, should be pleasing God. He is our only audience. He is the maker and provider of every good thing! He is the one that connects the givers of the funds and the recipients of our ministry. And he works all things together for our good!

So keep trying to please God. And keep working and improving the quality of care in the goods and services you provide. And finally, make the effort to communicate to your donors all the good that you’re doing, all the smiles and joy you are bringing, all the problems you are solving, and all the volunteers you are mobilizing.

Don’t let there be a disconnect between the hearts and minds of your donors and the benefits you’re providing to others. Shout it from the rooftops! Be clear. Be consistent. Be relentless. Communicate, communicate, communicate.

Never grow weary of telling your story and sharing your vision. Where God gives a vision, he always gives provision.