Comments about ‘Enlightened Entrepreneurs mentor nonprofits’

While it is wonderful to have entrepreneurs and business folks come to help non-profits, the reality is that non-profit organizations have significantly different objectives and challenges compared to for-profit companies, and often MBAs and retired executives can create more problems as they attempt to apply their business experience to the unique goals of non-profits.

For example, dealing with grant writing and continued relations and compliance work with grant providers is something that a typical business-type will not fully understand. Additionally, trying to "make a profit" versus offer services to constituents who need it most can often conflict, so that the "interests of the organization" (e.g., doing only profitable activies or those that break-even) can become more important than the charities the non-profits are supposed to serve (e.g., denying constiuents that are money-drainers, but need help the most).

The bottom line is that Business Schools and industry practice really don't provide the kind of educational experiences necessary to be successful in non-profits. Rather than saying entrepreneurs are "white knights" solving all the problems of non-profits, there needs to be some give-and-take so there is mutual education.

This event was all about give and take

I agree with great idea, but risks. An entrepreneurial mind is one that should be heard and creative ideas should be welcomed in all sectors. The challenge I have is I'm tired of hearing businesses and others say nonprofits do not possess talented staff. There are great education programs about nonprofits at the University of Utah and several talented people continue to flock to the nonprofit sector. Take the angle of sharing ideas rather than the private sector helping out the nonprofit sector. Each sector has its own strengths and these events should be about sharing ideas rather than saving nonprofits.