UserNotFound

Account Executive

Notorious Answer

Valued Contributor

Non Profit Fundraising- Satisfying, or nah?

As I continue the hunt for my perfect spot to land, I've come across a position locally to support an organization that helps young children in crisis. It's a temporary housing situation for children as they go from being taken out of the home and transition to a foster home.

It's something that I'm very much interested and invested in personally, and I'm confident I'd be really good at. However, I've never worked in non-profit. Hell, I've never even sold anything outside of B2B. The role is Fundraising and Development Director, so obviously it would encompass B2B and B2C. The obvious drawback is that the money in Non-Profit is pretty shitty, this role caps out at around what I'm pulling in currently.

Has anyone here ever worked in a capacity such as this? I can't decide if I think it would scratch the itch of the addiction to 'closed/won'...

🚀 Career Goals

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funcoupons

WR Officer

3

👑

I'd never work for a NFP, because I'm in sales for money and the money is never comparable to what I'd earn at a for profit company. I'd rather be a dirty capitalist at work and use my free time to volunteer for a feel good cause.

Also, I've dealt with a ton of NFPs in a business capacity through the years and the organizational structure is usually a damn mess. Way too many people in leadership roles who either have no right to be there or who do work hard but are trying to stretch pennies way further than they'll ever go. There's also often shitty boards of directors full of old ass people who have been out of the loop for ages that meet three times a year yet still influence everything from where the paper is purchased to who uses the damn bathroom when. Oh and a lot of the time they're at least partially funded by the gov which brings in a bunch of other massive pains in the anus.

It's a no from me all around.

UserNotFound

Politicker

1

Account Executive

Hahaha. Can totally relate to all of this. I guess I'm in a weird period of life where I just want to sell something I can have some passion about, and I'm okay if that means a sub $100k Tax Return.

I used to say I could put up with anything if the money was right, and I found myself in a position that the 'right' money has been promised, I did my part to earn it, but I'm not seeing it. I'm burned on the thought that any company who could pay me that amount ever actually would. My last two roles have fucked me out of so much money that I don't believe I'll ever be able to earn what I want anyway- so I might as well go do something I can feel good about. Right?!

(By the way, can you take Venmo for this therapy session?)

funcoupons

WR Officer

2

👑

I think you've gotten burned by two shitty companies in a row, and are jaded. Understandable. But understand you've been unlucky and the grand majority of companies are not run by massive douchebags (most of them are just tiny lil douchebags...;])

I 100% understand wanting to sell something you at least like, I'm just personally more willing to stomach a slightly boring product for great money than trade an exciting product and have to give up my bougie lifestyle. It's a personal choice tho.

My Venmo is always open ;)

SaaSam

Politicker

2

Account Executive

I don't know if I ever would work for any non-profits. Most of them spend a very small percent of what is donated on actually helping, they just give off a slimy vibe. I'm sure there are some truly good ones out there but my trust in these orgs is almost nonexistent.

funcoupons

WR Officer

2

👑

1000%

The big ones most definitely, and a disappointing number of small local ones run this way as well. I don't mean that the people running things are intentionally greedy or operating in bad faith, but there is a LOT of complacency, laziness, and red tape bullshit that ends up in precious funding/donations being wasted instead of going towards the cause they're supposed to be supporting.

Not against donating my time/money to charities/NFPs, but I vet places way harder than I ever used to.

SaaSam

Politicker

1

Account Executive

Bingo, I'll donate my time for a charity that I've vetted, been part of a few disaster relief teams over the years. But, I don't donate money anymore. I have a hard time with the concept that only a portion of my donation will actually help someone. Even if it's a majority of it, still don't like the idea that I'm paying any part of anyone's salary.

funcoupons

WR Officer

2

👑

I feel pretty much the same. I'd much rather donate time, or if that's not possible I'm more comfortable donating material goods like pet supplies/food/gifts for kids because you know those are going directly towards the cause and not an inflated salary or costs for a fancy office.

SaaSam

Politicker

1

Account Executive

Yes ma'am, I know that CEO isn't cracking open these canned goods or wearing any baby clothes.

UserNotFound

Politicker

0

Account Executive

That's how I feel about places like the Red Cross... so I totally get where you're coming from. However, with small locally focused N4Ps I'm comfortable because they're easier to see/sell the impact.

SaaSam

Politicker

1

Account Executive

I will say this, not many people get to work somewhere that also makes them feel good about what they do. If this would offer that to you and the pay isn't going to make you miserable I would take it.

If it means you get to go to bed at night with a smile on your face because you're involved in a cause you believe in, that's a win.

hh456

Celebrated Contributor

2

sales

If you do too well at an NFP, you're gonna run up an ever changing subjective wall. They can't risk paying fundraisers (salespeople) too much money because they have to look good on their annual reporting. If your goal is to have a great bank account, avoid NFPs. If you care about spotted whales mating in the Black Sea deep in your soul, go for it. Do what makes you happy.

Diablo

Politicker

1

Sr. AE

I have worked in B2C non-profit when I just started off (not in North America though - Sales Exec position) and I left it within one week..

UserNotFound

Politicker

0

Account Executive

Tell me more about your experience, if you don't mind. Sounds like it's likely a pretty different role from what I'm considering, but would still love to know about your time in the role.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

1

🦊

Fundraising is a whole different animal friend. Not one I would want to be a part of personally. I've heard shit.

UserNotFound

Politicker

0

Account Executive

That's what I'm afraid of...

But it's like I'm going through a breakup and I just want to chop all my hair off... I just want to ensure major distance between my current place and where I land.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

1

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

I have a friend who is in the process of leaving the Non-Profit world. You will be paid a lot less, but there is less stress. Also, a lot of turnover.

GDO

Politicker

1

BDM

Well, why do you work. What’s your why?

is it money? Do not go into nfp.

is it doing good? Making the world a better place etc?

…

saashunter2.0

Executive

1

Mid-Market Account Executive

I spent 15 yrs in fundraising before switching to SaaS selling. It definitely had its non-monetary feel good rewards. Just be ready for a lot more work for lower ROI. Just depends on career/family needs and goals too

Blackwargreymon

Politicker

1

MDR

I have worked in B2C non-profit when I just started off (not in North America though - Sales Exec position) and I left it within one week..

Clashingsoulsspell

Politicker

1

ISR

I think you've gotten burned by two shitty companies in a row, and are jaded. Understandable.

MR.StretchISR

Politicker

0

ISR

I don't know if I ever would work for any non-profits. Most of them spend a very small percent of what is donated on actually helping, they just give off a slimy vibe. I'm sure there are some truly good ones out there but my trust in these orgs is almost nonexistent.

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