I am on the board of a nonprofit and hate it. What should I do?

Question

I joined the board of a tiny nonprofit of which I was a volunteer. I love the cause and thought that my business background would be an asset to the organziation as a board member. The nonprofit has no paid staff, everyone in the org and on the board is a volunteer. The treasurer of 5 years was looking to move on, so I volunteered to be the treasurer. Now less than 6 months later I'm miserable. The organization is a disaster from a management point of view, the board is ineffective, I'm the only one who knows anything about running anything and I simply don't have the time or desire to turn around this organization. I'd like to go back to being a general volunteer and quit my board seat. But if I do there is nobody to fill it, and my position is vital - I handle all donations, bills, financials, etc. What should I do? This is a *tiny* nonprofit, maybe 70 volunteers, 6 board members, budget of $50k a year. Please give advice!!

Answer 1

i admire your willingness to make yourself miserable in order to keep from disappointing a group of volunteers.  oh, wait a minute, i admire you being miserable?  nope.  quit.  they were around before you started there and i'm sure someone will step up if you leave.  don't worry about it, you stepped up when someone else left but would you have made that move if they hadn't left?  you leaving will motivate someone else to do what you did 6 months ago.  there is NOTHING worth being miserable for.  i understand your commitment, but if they rely heavily on you and you refuse to leave until a replacement is found, there's no incentive to find a replacement.  LET GO AND LET GOD.  if it's not the right place for you, dragging it out will only make it worse.  you don't have to shoulder this responsibility if you choose not to.  it's not your nonprofit.  it's only your responsibility if you make it yours.  it may be time for you to use your talents to benefit another nonprofit or just put your gifts to different use at this one.  a position of management and leadership in a nonprofit must be one of commitment and dedication to the cause no matter the cost.  if you don't have that, move aside so the person that does can get down to business.  you won't be leaving them as desperate as you think you will.

Answer 2

You obviously don't want to just quit and leave the organization in the lurch. Here are some ideas:

1. Let them know at the next meeting that you want to step down, that doing the job properyl would take more than you're able to give.

2. Write up a short paper on what's needed to turn things around. Share it at the meeting. Ask for solutions. Maybe someone else will volunteer for the position. Maybe the group can distribute the duties so they don't all fall to the treasurer. Maybe a committee can be set up.

3. Can you hire someone part=time at a nominal wage? Maybe someone out there would welcome the chance to get the experience.

4. Approach a few business school professors and ask if they or one of their students (or a team of them) would care to do what's needed to turn around your organization as a term project or thesis project. That may get you the needed labor and expertise for free.

5. Approach a local SBDC (Small Business Development Corp.) for help with this. They may have some good advice and free resources for you. Their services are free. http://sbdcnet.org/sbdc.php

6. Get a grant to help your organization re hiring someone or whatever is needed. http://www.usa.gov/Business/Nonprofit.sh...

Answer 3

I think you should resign right away. You owe it to yourself and others around you.