Social Entrepreneurship: new economy, new-funding
Show me the money!
We all need it so our organizations can achieve our goals. With the state of our economy, one of the most pressing challenges as a leader of an all volunteer non-profit is that many of the old sources are drying up.
Financial fears are infecting our economy from the biggest corporate donors down to individual donors of modest means. Getting enough money from reliable sources becomes more of a challenge as grantor’s portfolios lose value and donors have less disposable income. Even more difficult to address is the almost universal perception of loss that has everyone holding on to what they have for fear of what is yet to come.
Of course, for those of you who are serving vulnerable populations the need for your services increases just as your resources decrease.
I know your boards, committees and members are exploring alternative sources of funding. Now it’s time to explore social entrepreneurship. As you look for income outside “normal” funding sources, explore what service or product you can deliver that people are willing to pay for.
Jump start your idea generation by searching the internet for nonprofits which are selling a product or service. Start an Entrepreneur Committee to develop ideas for your nonprofit. Assign ideas to task forces to prove and to develop a mini-business plan. Survey your members for their ideas and remember to ask them what they could contribute to a saleable item with time, materials or skills.
C. J. Heyden has some great definitions at http://www.socialentrepreneurcoach.com These can help you decide which form of social entrepreneurship you want to use.
Photo Credit:Show me the money, originally uploaded by Piez.
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Michael, thanks for the mention. I also have a free resource guide on social entrepreneurship available at http://www.socialentrepreneurcoach.com/resources/social-entrepreneurship-resource-guide.pdf .
Regards,
C.J.