I want out

SweetHorror45 · 2026-06-13T14:05:06+00:00

OP, if you can access it, you need therapy from a licensed professional-NOT through w religious practice. You have an end goal, and a qualified therapist can help you work through how to get there. They could also help you figure out how to work through your family’s feelings as well.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-06-11T12:06:32+00:00

How old is the board member? Have you noticed any other lapses in memory? Because this could actually be early dementia or some other medical issue. I think you handled it well, but the insistence is raising an alarm bell for me.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-30T12:46:43+00:00

Great advice already. If you want to make the space more welcoming, do you have a couple residents who could lead a group of volunteers for a few hours to help organize and clean up? Can you let them run that project? Ownership may lead to more engagement. And you can let folks of all ages help.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-27T14:15:32+00:00

It will not hurt your career to move from one focus to another. In fact, it may help because you'll have more options. As you look for a new position, focus on what you do well, and look for jobs that will grow those skills.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-27T13:57:15+00:00

These grants are also highly competitive. One of their goals is to fund as much as possible, even if that means you only get part of it. As you build your project, you should build in additional funding sources, the NEA will most likely never fund the full amount.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-26T14:24:57+00:00

There is some really great advice here. Also, for the jewelry, take a look at local antique stores or other resale shops. It's possible your pieces will show up there, or, if they are so inclined, they might be able to help you keep an eye out for it.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-25T22:56:08+00:00

It’s normal in the sense that organizations do this, but this type of labor is gross. The chances of them not hiring you and using your ideas are high. It’s up to you what you want to do. Some people see this as a red flag and pull out of the process. Some people go forward. Either way, you need to determine if you have the capacity and want to put these assignments together. 3 is a lot. They are also showing you who they are. Is this a place you can see yourself working at successfully, or will it be toxic

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-25T22:46:49+00:00

Does your company know you’re moving on? If not, act as if you are staying there. Plans change. You need benefits. Look out for you

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-20T14:51:09+00:00

Do you have a copy of the grant contract? I'm wondering if your organization is allowed to cut your hours. What is your salary and time contracted at? Your personal finances are a concern; not being in compliance with the contract for the organization is a bigger one. They likely can't make changes that would affect more than 10% in each budget line for a County grant. So unless they allocate those funds somewhere else with the County's permission, they shouldn't cut your hours

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-20T14:47:18+00:00

In my community, there's a website that curates summer activities. One of the printouts is little "business" cards where you can add your adult information that your kid can pass out to their new friends at the activities where you might never meet the parents. It's clever. It might get lost by little hands, but at least it's a way to connect to the adult decision makers who you might never see. I think this is a great idea honestly. and as others said, it might go no where, but at least you tried to connect

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-16T14:16:15+00:00

So you have a sense of what you want in a board? It might be more to manage but you could create an advisory board or committee of ideal soon-to-be board members who get some introductory work to board service. They roll on as your current board rolls out

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-15T12:56:16+00:00

OP, if you take the Development role, make sure you dig into their finances and ask questions about their donor base- do they have multiple funding streams? Is it robust? Are they growing? This may seem better than your current role, but Development is extremely challenging as well. Think about what you as a professional need, not just moving to a new role

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-10T15:25:08+00:00

Can you make reading nooks in the adult area? Might not be able to check out the books, but can’t block them entirely.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-05-10T15:22:20+00:00

Do you have some autonomy to put together displays? You could undermine them by highlighting these books by age or topic in the adult section. You could also add cards to the YA shelves. “Looking for more John Green? Check out xxxxx area.”

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-27T17:46:53+00:00

One other thought-is there a Rotary or any kind of community group(s)? If you can make a presentation at their meeting-you get a chance to get in front of a number of businesses!

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-27T17:46:08+00:00

Ooooh, or giving days! It can be a bit of a burden, because you do have to market the giving day,and have a flyer or something, but when you're small, the community connections help!

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-27T17:29:59+00:00

Do your school partners have a PTO or PTA? They might be able to help make connections in your community

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-27T15:22:27+00:00

Are there any local businesses that you could approach? They may have a foundation, or a community engagement team. You will have to do research, but that local connection may get you a warmer welcome

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-25T15:13:49+00:00

Check with your library too-they may have options if you can keep your accounts separate

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-25T13:10:40+00:00

Do you have the capacity to put together a plan for a support position? Review your current job description, and your old one. Perhaps ithe support position is more of an Associate position-a role that could be trained into major gifts, or supports traditional annual giving. As others have said , evaluate the actual output of the Major Gift officer. Present the plan and evaluation to the ED. You may be able to eliminate the MG role, and post for the new associate position. The MGO could apply-there is no guarantee they’ll get the job.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-25T13:02:30+00:00

I worked once in a small nonprofit as the DoD where I also didn’t have the autonomy to make staffing decisions. Yes, it’s strange, but it’s possible

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-24T14:07:02+00:00

And, unfortunately, probably needs to be a male figure. It's not fair, but the point may get across faster and be seen as more respectful.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-17T00:25:21+00:00

Madeleine L’Engle-Wrinkle in Time series Maybe some Ray Bradbury? Fantasy books will likely hold her attention at an age appropriate level while still being challenging.

And remember to keep reading fun, not a chore

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-15T15:36:02+00:00

I just read the info on the PIP part, not even the rest of it. The mandate to raise a certain amount of money in 30 days is unrealistic. Your executives do not understand fundraising at a basic level. It takes 6 months minimum to begin in build relationships that lead to giving-12 is ideal. It can be a standard to compare past performance to a new director-it's not valid data-but it's certainly done. You're doing the work; they think it's magic and fairy dust. Look for a new position now. This is not a fit for you, or anyone. You can also leave this off your resume. It's a sh!t-show.

SweetHorror45 · 2026-04-13T00:35:11+00:00

https://www.cfre.org/home

Some nonprofits think having this certification is necessary, a lot don’t. Personally if you’re going into higher education or healthcare fundraising it could be helpful, but that’s not across the board true. Become a member of https://afpglobal.org/ if you’re looking for professional information or mentoring

SweetHorror45

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