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

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