6 Not-for-Profit Lessons We Learn… From The Hundred Acre Woods

It takes unique individuals that truly follow their passion to serve the underprivileged, disadvantaged, neglected, poor, needy, or cause for social change by ideating a Not-for-Profit business into fruition. These individuals typically act out of sheer support for humanity and no personal gain. Thus a not-for-profit business is born. As the holidays approach we often see these character traits rise to the surface in all walks of life, and I will go out on a limb to say that these people that are committed to serving others had these principles ingrained in them from a young age.

Certainly the upbringing of these individuals played a factor, but I also believe that many of the principles we’ve learned about serving and caring for others was inspired by the infamous author, A.A. Milne, when he created the incomparable character Winnie the Pooh. I honestly believe there cannot be a human being with a pulse that cannot relate to multiple life lessons and even Not-for-Profit business lessons learned from the characters Milne created and the setting in which all these characters from Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh to Tigger, Eeoyre, and Piglet frolicked in amongst the Hundred Acre Woods all the while educating us on the many lessons of life and business.

Lesson 1, "As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen." This is often referred to as “the calling” that we feel when we are drawn to represent in some way a not-for-profit organization. Whether as a paid employee, working for a wage much less than their ability or education dictate, or a volunteer sacrificing their time or services on behalf of the “adventure” or the necessary social change.

Lesson 2, “Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them." This is the unique trait all servant leaders of not-for-profit businesses possess. Infused in all not-for-profit organizers DNA is the ability to pursue affirming qualities in all individuals and circumstances.

Lesson 3, “You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” It is often said that for profit businesses can learn from not-for-profit business about effective business practices. This is one of those lessons to be learned. Not-for-Profits are constantly racing out of their corner of the forest to find new opportunities, new funding, new services to provide, more individuals to serve, etc. Resting on their laurels is not an option at the risk of the extinction of the service to their cause.

Lesson 4, “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” The thought for others is why The United Way is unrivalled in their successful fundraising campaigns. I doubt there is any person that has ever held a part time job through retirement that has not witnessed a United Way Presentation. These presentations tell a story about how the funds they have raised has helped someone within their community. Instilling the core value of thinking of others into their presentation.

Lesson 5, “You are braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem. And smarter than you think.” In starting up a new not-for-profit this has to be the mantra chanted over and over to keep the inspiration to serve progressing. It is also in similar form to likely become the vision or mission statement of the organization instituting the social change.

Lesson 6, Finally, "If the person you are talking to does not appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in this ear." This is the message all not-for-profit developers must keep ingrained as their passion to serve their cause in the early phases of startup or in times of struggle. In the process of financial funding or in kind service pursuits it will often seem like the prospects have fluff in their ears when they don’t seem to share your passion for your cause.

If you would like support in developing your Not-for-Profit organization or guidance in obtaining your 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Tax Classification, we are eager to team together with you to get the results you desire. Visit The Merit Group website at: www.themeritgroupindy.com or TSR Investments, a subsidiary of The Merit Group, for the 501(c)(3) guidance, website at: http://www.fasttrack501c3.com/call 317-805-4896 today!

Look for more small steps that produce BIG results!