Empowering & Developing the Next Generation
By Ed Holman, Associate Consultant with Purpose Possible
Who will be leading the nonprofit industry twenty years from now?
How will your organization advance beyond your tenure?
If you needed to stop working tomorrow, have you trained a successor?
These questions are rarely asked; however, senior leaders and even mid-career nonprofit professionals should ask themselves these questions regularly.
The nonprofit sector is experiencing a shift, with estimates suggesting that up to 75% of U.S. nonprofit leaders plan to leave their positions in the next five to ten years. Additionally, in 2023, the non-profit leadership turnover rate was 37.5%, up from 33% the previous year. Although these numbers may be alarming, there is hope. Young professionals are becoming more interested in working in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. They are pursuing education that aligns with nonprofit work, including Master of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management degrees, Nonprofit Management certifications, and even Philanthropy Studies degrees like those offered at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Now is the time to begin investing and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Invest from within
Speaking from my experience as a young professional, I have significantly benefited from leaders who have given me skills, tasks, and opportunities to grow personally and professionally. During my first full-time fundraising role at National Children's Museum, I was fortunate to have a team of leaders who invested in me daily, beyond my role. With their support, I strengthened my grant writing, individual giving, corporate, and communications skills, and more because my superiors allowed me to work with them, not just for them. Below are a few ways to do the same for your junior staff.
Invest from within by:
Allowing junior staff to shadow your work or the work of another senior leader.
Creating opportunities for junior staff to take on tasks and support other department areas usually reserved for more experienced team members. This can involve engaging mid-level donors, sitting in on your organization’s board advancement/development committee meetings, joining tours with prospective donors, providing input into strategic planning, representing the organization at community events alongside other staff members, etc.
Setting a clear path for growth within the organization and what skills should be strengthened or developed for advancement.
Invest beyond your organization
How often do you talk with junior staff about career development beyond your organization? As important as investing within your organization is, giving your junior staff the opportunity and resources to invest personally and professionally is essential. Doing so will not only benefit the team but will ultimately benefit your organization.
Invest beyond your organization by:
Encouraging team members to join a professional development organization.
A few of my favorites are:
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
For 60 years, AFP has been the standard-bearer for professionalism in fundraising, empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN)
YNPN activates emerging leaders and helps them acquire the skills and awareness they need to be effective changemakers. With these leaders, they are building a diverse and powerful social sector that can support and strengthen our communities.National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP)
NULYP supports communities nationwide by preparing young people for school, work, and life, promoting civic engagement, financial self-sufficiency, and advocating for civil rights.
If possible, allocate funds for conferences, professional development, and other resources.
This can include:
Industry conferences (virtually or in person) such as the ones offered through AFP. There are often discounts and scholarships for young nonprofit professionals and staff of color.
A membership to a professional organization.
Subscriptions to blogs, studies, and other professional development resources such as The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Tip: you can purchase just one or a few memberships for the whole organization.
The bottom line is…
We must invest in the next generation now. Nonprofits that empower and build the next generation of leaders will ensure the success of their organization and the vital resources they provide to communities. Investing in younger staff will lead to better results for the whole sector, not just one organization.
Ed Holman is an Associate Fundraising Consultant with Purpose Possible. He has a range of experience securing funds, building relationships, and fostering engaging and inclusive environments in youth development, higher education, and cultural institutions. Ed currently works with 4DaSoil Collective, Appalachian Regional Commission, Fertile Ground Food Cooperative, HumanitiesDC, and Mi Casa.