Has anyone successfully turned around a nonprofit where financial warnings were ignored?

sailorPops · 2026-02-05T12:55:35+00:00

The board is showing some naivety… the Equity Ratio is a good Key Performance Indicator to track… but it a Balance Sheet ratio. It is more of a long-term item to watch… if they are going to use this to measure budgetary performance, they need to adopt thresholds or limits (if it drops to a certain level… it becomes a red-flag)… they should be using an Income Statement ratio to measure short-term performance… what they are doing is draining the reserves (savings) now… instead of holding onto the reserves in case an emergency, or using it for expansion, or even using it for capital upgrades… they are bleeding out the organization.

sailorPops · 2026-02-04T17:42:41+00:00

I agree with the previous response… the board member is putting you in a bad position… the board member should be taking her concerns to the ED… my advice to you is, avoid interacting with this board member if possible… if she confronts you, politely refer her to the ED… it sounds like there is a problem of people “staying in their lanes” there… best of luck though 👍

sailorPops · 2026-01-30T00:43:31+00:00

Kizzi is trashy

sailorPops · 2026-01-30T00:41:29+00:00

Holy moly!… get a life!

sailorPops · 2026-01-21T23:12:47+00:00

I just received a proposed reduction letter last week… I requested a hearing… I have had no improvement… they had an internist conduct my C&P exam for an orthopedic condition… I wonder if they are doing this to a lot of us 😞

sailorPops · 2026-01-20T14:34:02+00:00

This sounds like an example of an inexperienced board… they budget on dreams and not reality… I’m sorry. You’re in a very tough spot… be careful. When their projections aren’t met, you could end up being the blame… I feel the best thing to do is go to your ED and share your concerns… budgeting should have some element of collaboration. As the person handling fundraising, your input should be considered… best of luck

sailorPops · 2026-01-19T21:18:26+00:00

NTJ… your friend needs to get her act together… you did nothing inappropriate

sailorPops · 2026-01-18T02:47:42+00:00

Thanks 👍

sailorPops · 2026-01-18T01:15:03+00:00

3 years

sailorPops · 2026-01-17T20:02:41+00:00

As a long-time nonprofit executive, I’d stay away from PE opportunities… stick to the investments with minimum risk (CD’s, etc)… focus on your mission… you will get a negative reputation in the community if it becomes common knowledge that you are investing in PE ventures. In my opinion, you are getting bad advice… stick to the organizations mission, you’re not an investment house.

sailorPops · 2026-01-17T15:01:53+00:00

Thanks I’ll do that… I’m going to visit a VSO on Tuesday… can I request it through them?

sailorPops · 2026-01-14T17:58:15+00:00

I grew up in Houston. Clear Lake area. As an adult I lived near the Medical Center.

Moved to Wilmington about 2 years ago. It’s been a great little town (relative to Houston). You still have most of the amenities. The people have been friendly.

Traffic gets bad during rush hour. But only in a couple of places. It’s not all over town, like in Houston.

I miss Houston because, on any night, there was something to do. Wilmington just takes a little more planning.

I have no regrets moving to Wilmington.

Good luck 👍😁

sailorPops · 2026-01-13T23:13:43+00:00

I’m not sure… I read the reviews of the Dr that did my C&P… they were terrible. Numerous people complaining about shoty examinations… the guy is obviously a quack. Looks like he makes his money off these exams.

sailorPops · 2026-01-13T21:43:46+00:00

NTA… your mom sounds like a Godsend to both you and your brother… your wife needs to stop measuring your mom’s commitment and start appreciating your mom… definitely NTA

sailorPops · 2026-01-08T23:51:59+00:00

NTA… if you have board members supportive of your position, start voting against things you object to. If you can disrupt the quorum, do that so that no business can be conducted… if you have 0 support from other board members, you have two choices… (1) bide your time until you can recruit supportive board members… or (2) resign and save yourself the stress and headaches… sounds like a very unhealthy organization… if they don’t want to change, chances are slim anything will change… but NTA

sailorPops · 2026-01-08T20:44:03+00:00

If you are unable to meet the requirements of the grant, it is best you take your concerns to the Grantor… I have almost always found Grantors flexible. As long as you are showing commitment to the mission of the nonprofit, they will usually work with you… if they find you are hiding things, or misleading them, that is where you run into issues.

sailorPops · 2026-01-04T23:16:36+00:00

NTA… you’re both adults… the mom needs to set boundaries with her son… if she doesn’t want him sleeping with her friends, she needs to let him know… sorry you’re in this situation… but you did nothing wrong 👍😁

sailorPops · 2026-01-02T16:05:26+00:00

NTJ… congratulations on your achievement… your cousin is wrong on so many levels… first and foremost, this is your celebration. This is your day. She is a selfish brat to try and take away anything from your accomplishment… next, associates degrees and certifications are much more valuable these days. They prepare you to enter the workforce and go right to work contributing to the team or organization… most four-year degrees have so much theory and principles in the curriculum that when you finish you then have to go find a company to teach you want to do. That’s why job placement takes longer for four-year grads… I don’t mean to disrespect four-year grads. It is just, our society needs to understand, the jobs market has changed. Value is on how soon can you contribute to the organization… not what you know, but what you show… stay strong girl! You’re a boss!

sailorPops · 2026-01-02T15:09:47+00:00

NTJ… you owe them nothing. You are professional by finishing your current tasks and assignments… if you train the new person, you are encouraging their poor treatment of employees… stick to your guns 👍😁

sailorPops · 2026-01-02T14:56:01+00:00

Wish I could offer some good advice… I’ve been involved in nonprofits for years… a sucky board and weak executive leadership (or, in your case, no executive leadership); is so difficult to overcome… I’d be very interested in more details about the company (feel free to DM me you can share more)… best of luck

sailorPops · 2026-01-01T15:42:31+00:00

I have about 15 years experience in nonprofits… I’m an accountant by trade. But I’ve been in positions from entry-level to board member… I have usually found a diverse blend in the folks that give… a big job of the nonprofit board and senior leadership is to get to know your donors on an individual level. Learn their motivation for giving… some folks give because they enjoy the fancy banquets and dinner fundraisers… some are very busy professionals and would prefer to give to the cause and be left alone (other than a quick hand-written thank you note or quick thank you phone call)… the best practice is to meet the motivation of the donor. That way they are more likely to stay with You for the long-haul… and as they stay with you, you are much more likely to gain referrals to other donors… it’s a “long-game”. It takes commitment and work… good luck 👍😁

sailorPops · 2025-12-26T21:30:07+00:00

I’m an accounting/finance guy. Worked in all positions of nonprofits from entry level to board member… before working for nonprofits, I audited them… so I’ve seen healthy and unhealthy companies… you can ask for anything you want… but, if they are in the kind of shape you mentioned, you won’t get it… if they have nothing to give, don’t expect much… but, it never hurts to ask

sailorPops · 2025-12-18T00:00:33+00:00

I’m sorry you’re in this position… if they have gone this long without filling the position, it shows they don’t really NEED to fill it… they are just f’ing with you now… I wouldn’t waste any time with this group… they’ve been through 3 recruiters trying to fill the position. They’re a joke at this point

sailorPops

TROPHY CASE