I have a pretty hefty surplus in my nonprofit project budget this year, and I have been told to spend it all, because otherwise it would go back to the funder. We're talking about $20K. We did our work, we met our goals, we provided what we said we'd provide. It just took less money than anticipated. I feel dirty and guilty about blowing this much money on "stuff" that isn't what we said we'd spend it on. I have never had a budget at all before, much less a surplus, so I may be a little naive about how the (nonprofit?) world works. Can you please give me some thoughts about how to view this in a way that doesn't feel icky? Am I just being silly and this is normal practice? Bonus points if you have suggestions on what to spend it on.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on May 20, 2013 -
31 answers
I'm at the final round of interviews for two very different jobs, and if I'm offered both, I'm not sure what I should do.
One's at a nonprofit, the other's at an advertising agency.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 26, 2013 -
7 answers
I coordinate a successful group of activists. Now, the family of our most active member has been implicated in a scandal. The group wants to work on the scandal; the member says he'll quit if we do. Is there a way to balance on this tightrope?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2013 -
19 answers
I am in the process of interviewing for a mid-level program/project coordinator position at a non-profit in New York City, and I believe I will be offered the position. I have always been terrible at negotiating salary, and want to change that this time around, but I am finding it very difficult to figure out what the general market range for similar jobs is.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Dec 14, 2012 -
3 answers
I work for a small non-profit in WI and the organization is about to close its doors. Because we are so small, the non-profit has not had to pay into the state UI fund. I don't know what that means for my ability to collect unemployment.
I am going to see an unemployment office as soon as possible, but I would appreciate any info from MeFi about whether there are ways I am eligible to receive benefits, if there are specific questions I should ask the UI office, and whether there are other state or federal benefits available to me as I look for a new job.
posted by anonymous
on Nov 30, 2012 -
3 answers
I work for a non-profit. A personal friend of my boss is trying to poach me to a much better paying job in the private sector. What is the ethical way to navigate this?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Apr 20, 2012 -
8 answers
I'm a non-profit development professional who enjoys my current job fundraising for a regional cultural organization (actually one of the largest, most stable non-profits in our area). Unfortunately, I can no longer afford the non-profit salary. Plese help direct me to the resources to find a place in the for-profit world.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 5, 2012 -
6 answers
Job-application filter: Along with my resume and cover letter, I'd like to send some (unasked-for) sample work in as part of an application for a "Director of Grants" position w/ a large family-services nonprofit. Any tips or advice on this plan?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Jan 13, 2012 -
2 answers
[Nonprofit Filter] We're investigating options to shop out the major financial needs of our nonprofit organization. If we do this, what tasks should be kept in house and (if we no longer have a dedicated finance person) who should do them? We are considering this option, but have a fair number of questions about how other small NGOs manage their financial administration. Is yours in-house, contracted, a combination of both? What are the benefits/challenges? Lots of questions and would appreciate experienced feedback!
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Oct 6, 2011 -
7 answers
I am volunteering for a 501c(3). I have been given the task of writing checks to pay the bills. We are paying for the executive director's personal bills. Help!
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Apr 11, 2011 -
21 answers
I'm a recent college grad who has been playing the "unemployment blues" for the past 5 months and have had no real success finding full-time work. However, I've recently had two excellent interviews for an entry-level administrative assistant position at a small non-profit organization in New York (where I currently live with my parents). I'm not sure if this is the kind of work I would be able to do for more than a year (well aware that most people don't necessarily enjoy their jobs and generally have to haul ass in the early stages), and the pay is mediocre, but I am entering student loan repayment soon ($80k+ worth of debt) and need a steady paying job ASAP. Please offer me some perspective from your experiences in this situation, and help me determine if I am making the right decision.
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Oct 24, 2010 -
27 answers
Does anyone know anything about the Boston nonprofit Corporate Accountability International?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on May 18, 2010 -
4 answers
I went from possibly being unemployed to being offered two jobs I only sort of want. I need to take one of them in order to live, which should I take?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Dec 11, 2009 -
16 answers
Can a non-profit executive director refuse to allow the board president to run meetings?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Sep 14, 2009 -
13 answers
Has anyone here participated in (or know someone who has participated in) the Industrial Area Foundation's National Leadership Training?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 11, 2009 -
0 answers
What are the best places to work as a consultant for nonprofit and/or charitable organizations?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 29, 2008 -
9 answers
Lawyers/legal staffers: Can you tell me what it is like to work for a nonprofit legal services organization? And what will they be looking for at my interview?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Mar 6, 2008 -
11 answers
