Choose Your Nonprofits Wisely

People support nonprofits for many different reasons, but how many people expect anything from the nonprofits they support? I have noticed that a greater number of people give time and/or money to a nonprofit than those who expect those nonprofits to be good stewards of that time and money. All resources are limited, so maximizing the effect and impact that each one has upon the goals and objectives of the organization is important... or at least it should be.

If Michael gives $100 to an autism organization and they use it to plan an event designed to raise funds so they can plan another fundraiser... but they never break the cycle to provide a product or service of actual value to the autism community, is Michael really helping the community? Not at all. In fact, I'd say he is hurting it. That's $100 that could have gone to a different organization that provides free counseling to families and individuals affected by autism, but instead was lost in a perpetual fundraising cyclone of waste.

Too often we assume that nonprofit status is indicative of trustworthiness and credibility. We assume that by giving to an organization with the keyword of our cause, we have done our good deed. I say we should give a damn about how that money or how our time is spent. If an organization raises $60,000 and awards three $1,000 scholarships but provides no other assistance to the community it serves, is that really anything worth applauding? No. Supporting such an organization is nothing short of condoning its irresponsibility.

Nonprofit status is NOT indicative of goodwill. Before you donate, volunteer or support a nonprofit, please choose an organization that is responsible, professional and trustworthy. Choose an organization that is efficient and will effectively serve those whom you intend to help.

Why Nonprofits Need Social Media

As an advocate for the hemophilia community, I have a great appreciation for social media and what it can do for nonprofits. Let me begin by establishing that I am specifically talking about community-based nonprofits who exist for the purposes of educating and advocating on behalf of individuals and families affected by medical disorders.

The problem I see most within the hemophilia community is that local associations, and even national ones, seem to be disconnected from the communities they serve. They have newsletters and websites that connect us, but only the National Hemophilia Foundation and Hemophilia Society of Colorado seem to use social media strategy and planning to connect with their communities. Most others have merely created a Facebook page and/or Twitter account, but have no strategy or plan in place. Some have not even made it that far. Regardless of what stage each organization may be at, all must embrace social media if they plan to exist in five years.

Resources are limited, especially in today's weak economy. Many nonprofits are requesting funds from individuals and organizations who receive proposals and requests from several charities. Competition is fierce and those donating will have to make hard decisions. These decisions will likely include the following questions:

Why does this organization exist and who do they serve?


How do they serve this community and how will my funds serve an individual or family?


Are they making the most of each dollar or are they squandering them on unnecessary events?


In order to compete, nonprofits must be able to show that they know and understand the needs of their community, that they can provide products and services designed to help with those needs, and that they have a sustainable plan to do so.

I believe many nonprofits, including my local association, are disconnected from the communities they serve. They do not know or understand the needs of these communities. This is the foundation for failure. For example, if I need a helmet, but you make me a knee pad, that will not help me with what I need. Sure, I may be able to use a knee pad, but what I really need is a helmet. Nonprofits can easily use social media to listen to their communities, to discover what they need and respond with appropriate products and services. Please stop using outdated traditional models to communicate and interact with members.