SOLVING THE NONPROFIT IDENTITY CRISIS
SOLVING THE NONPROFIT IDENTITY CRISIS: THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE by pam ashlund When will nonprofits learn what is common knowledge to politicians? Modern political strategy stands on three pillars (according to Wikipedia): M essage, M oney, M achine. The entry-level campaign strategist understands that the second two won’t come until the first pillar is set up...establish the clear message (and ideally condense it into a catchy sound bite). Let’s face it, we have an uphill battle on money and machine. If we raise too much money-- unrelated business tax , if we raise too little-- program cuts , if we spend it promoting our cause-- misuse of funds ; if we hire savvy leaders— Excessive Compensation ! If we hit the streets- unallowable costs ; if we use our volunteer activists? Lobbying ; If we hook up with local politicians? Loose your tax-exempt status! But Message? There are no barriers in our way here. Who are we? What do we want to be? And once we know why we are here…what...