the overhead myth - a presentation from the 2014 brewer direct institute by shannon barnes

The Overhead Myth

Dan Pallotta - The Way We Look at Charity Is Dead Wrong.mp4

Do our assumptions (or convictions) about charitable metrics and best-practices limit our ability to pursue big dreams and efforts that rise to the scale of the problems we confront?

Which posture would you prefer from your donors - (1) An expectation to keep the organization’s overhead low, or (2) an expectation to keep your mission performance high? Why?

Do we invest enough in our efforts to increase our visibility, funding, and the depth of our donor relationships?

In the video, Dan makes a case that it is okay to “do well while doing good.” How do you feel about that statement? And what effect, if any, would that idea have on how you treat and compensate your staff?

One last one for self-reflection: What would you be prepared to do for those you serve if funding was not the issue? Is funding the real issue? Are you telling your donors about that impact-driven dream?