I came across a post on the reddit sub, r/nonprofit, and it got me thinking. Every now and again, I will see a post that captures my attention enough to respond. Anyone ever deal with those feelings of inadequacy, especially from a nonprofit role? I know I have. Okay, the post is as follows: POST TITLE: Desperate to leave non-profit but I have no confidence or direction Basically what the title says. I need to get out of non-profit work immediately and do something that challenges me and actually makes money. I’m completely burnt after 6 years in development. I just feel like a loser who has no other skills or ability. Did anyone else transition out of fundraising? What did you? All advice and help needed. MY RESPONSE: I wholeheartedly believe that what you are experiencing is the collateral damage of a sector that has an identity crisis. A sector that has become far too dependent on the generosity of others to SURVIVE and yet places that burden overwhelmingly on the shoulders of a fund development person/team to carry the weight. You are not a loser, you simply have been put in a losing position. How many businesses would we expect to sustain long-term by constantly, literally constantly, petitioning others to support its operations, goals, rising expenses and overall ability to remain open? Yes, the missions of our nonprofits are worthy of support, but it doesn't absolve us of the responsibility of every business, which is the securing of our own future. To answer your question, your skills transition well to business development, sales, customer service, operations or any number of business-related options. Additionally, and uniquely, your experience lends itself even better to helping your current employer or even a new nonprofit better understand that this model is not sustainable. A possible solution? Consulting nonprofit to pair the efforts of contributed revenue work, including grant submissions and donor cultivation through events, appeals, etc., with new earned revenue pursuits. Earned revenue including membership models, contracted revenue, developing intellectual property and packaging it for sale through education, certification or similar, and a few others.

In a world of sharing the highlights and the super polished, finished products (of whatever that may be for you)... It can be so discouraging that you choose not to continue, not to pursue. But let me share with you something that was pivotal for me in a discussion. A connection said the following, "they will cringe before they binge." Now I'm not actively encouraging nonprofit leaders to put our cringe-worthy stuff. The underlying principle is that whatever you are developing early will be "cringe" to whatever it's finished form will be. The first iPhone is cringe in comparison to the latest release. The original Toyota Camry is cringe in comparison to a 2026 model. It's all part of the process. So don't let perfection be the thief of progress. Go try the new thing, the new approach, the new earned revenue model. Why? Because your favorite thing, no matter what it is, started somewhere. Go forth and embrace the stage of cringe... I know I am!

Hey Y'all, quick video of me dealing with those inner voices that many of us have that says we aren't good enough or we're not worthy. I made the trip to Las Vegas to connect in-person with my Executive Coach, Omar El-Takrori and it's a big deal because I almost didn't come... Again. I didn't feel like I had done enough and that I was going to be disappointing to my coach but ALL OF THAT is 100% in my head and NOT REALITY. But those inner voices can be quite convincing. Anyway, I'm working on being more transparent because I know many of my struggles are the same for many of you, in your own unique ways. It's a work in progress for us all, but I'm happy you're here. That's a great step in BECOMING the person. https://youtu.be/0nV_UW7NjEw?si=MeBT3ZM-2XFWYaCr

Let me be upfront with you — this community is brand new. I've been in here mostly talking to myself, and you showing up changes that. So thank you for being one of the early ones. What we're building here is a space for nonprofit and faith-based leaders who are serious about sustainability, revenue, and running their organizations like the businesses they actually are. No fluff. No toxic positivity. Just real conversations from people who are in it. It won't be loud in here right away. And that's okay. The best communities aren't built overnight — they're built by the right people showing up consistently and contributing honestly. If you're here, I already believe you're one of those people. So while we grow, here's what I'd ask: Introduce yourself. Tell us who you are, what organization or work you're connected to, and one thing you're navigating right now. That's it. No pitch. No polish. Just you. I read everything in here and I will respond. This is not a billboard — it's a conversation. We're building something worth being early for. I'm glad you found us. — Sid Managing Principal, The Nonprofit Guild "Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business model."