Bravo, Cheryl Maslin! You made several really excellent points! Unfortunately, the idea of paying a development professional or executive director from funds raised or on a percentage is a strongly held idea by many boards I've encountered lately. When this idea is raised with a board of a struggling or new organization, I just respond that it violates our Codes of Ethics (see the NSFRE Code of Ethics for Fund Raising Executives -- note that the organization has recently had a name change and isn't NSFRE anymore). However, Ms. Maslin's explanation makes clear why such a practice is not professional. The bottom line is that Non-Profit Boards of Directors have to do their part financially, too. You cannot expect outside funders, public agencies, and other people to carry the whole burden. It is the Board's responsibility to find funds from private donors to have salaries for key personnel in the start-up of the organization. Otherwise, the developer or the executive might as well just stay home and run their own business, if they have to provide their own salary!!!!! Also, a board that makes the financial commitment to fund these positions or to secure appropriate funding from relevant sources (e.g., a stipend from the City, County or State) or by building an endowment, shows outside funders that they are serious about the organization and the services it provides. pamela sezgin ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).