Nonprofit Leadership: Lessons from a Septuagenarian

“You know…this world ain’t meant for old people!”

Words of wisdom and foresight my 98-year-old aunt gave

me. Case in point: Have you stood at a public parking

kiosk to pay for your spot and can no longer figure out

how? A few feet away is the kiosk where you now find

there’s not a place to put your cash or a card in a slot

while keeping in mind where you actually parked.

Looking perplexed, you discover that you need to

download some type of an “app”. That will take another 5-

15 minutes to figure out how to use it. That happened to me, it’s a rite of passage. It was my reality moment of Aunt Lela’s wisdom - recognizing

the world of technology has moved on and left me staring at a screen. I couldn’t find a

box to speak in to or a parking attendant (sigh). Finally, and luckily, a stranger

approaching the kiosk was kind enough to help me retrieve my receipt for my $20+

parking (sigh) and now on my way!

In this blog post, I'll delve into some of the unique aging challenges that the

nonprofit sector can/will face and explore strategies to navigate them effectively.

Reflecting on my own journey as a nonprofit leader, and as I turn 70 years old, I can

attest to the complexities and challenges of aging in general, and also through my

work, its impact on nonprofit leadership. We need to support each other, just like the

stranger that helped me in the parking lot – we need an intergenerational response to

understand and address the challenges of aging and the future of nonprofit leadership.

Geriatric specialist, David Solie, author of How to Say It to Seniors, points out that

as people age into their 70s, two issues become paramount:

1. the fight for control (independence)

2. the search for a legacy

He writes, “To maintain control is a primary driver for the elderly, because each day,

they feel losses—of strength, health, peers, and authority—that are staggering.” Solie

says, “And in the search for a legacy, seniors will want to be remembered for the

things [they] valued most.”

Many leaders in the nonprofit sector are deeply committed individuals who have

dedicated their lives to making a difference in their communities. However, as these

leaders age, they inevitably face a host of challenges that can impact their effectiveness

and the sustainability of their organizations. As with any sector, nonprofit leadership

faces its own set of challenges, particularly as leaders age, including:

• Employment Discrimination: Ageism in the workplace is real and nuanced. Through my coaching, I’ve explored this issue with my clients confronted by how it shows up in their pursuit for career moves. Ageism can limit opportunities for older individuals, starting as early as forty-something, as some employers may prefer younger candidates or assume older workers are less capable or adaptable to the rapid changes in technology, or resistant to having a younger supervisor.

• Evolving Skillsets: As the nonprofit landscape evolves, so too must the skillsets of its leaders. Aging leaders want to maintain relevance, yet may find themselves grappling with new technologies, fundraising strategies, and governance models that were not even around when they first entered the field. Keeping pace with these changes: lack of access to training or resources to keep up with technology can leave older generations feeling excluded or overwhelmed. Again, thanks to my on-going coaching experiences, a passionate, diverse mix of intergenerational folks keep me abreast of software technology to make life more organized and efficient – not that I will utilize them, but I just might!

• Financial Pressures: Many nonprofit leaders tend to rely on their personal networks and resources to support their organizations. However, as they age, they may face dwindling resources, shifting, or competing financial priorities that make it challenging to sustain the organization's operations and programs along with the demands of donor engagement for relationship building.

• Burnout and Fatigue: Nonprofit leadership can be emotionally and physically demanding, often requiring long hours and a relentless focus on this work. As leaders age, many may find it increasingly difficult to sustain the same level of energy and enthusiasm, as their personal priorities shift or change. Just ask me.

• Succession Planning: One of the most pressing challenges that I find facing many aging nonprofit leaders is succession planning. Identifying and grooming the next generation of leaders is crucial for ensuring continuity and maintaining the organization's long-term sustainability. Aging is not optional. As we age, we need to make shifts, transitions, and find ways to reach back and build emerging leaders. However, many aging leaders struggle to relinquish control, or they can’t find “suitable” successors. Change is inevitable.

Lastly, don’t be this type of aging, older leader:

“I’m sorry, but there aren’t a lot of smart executives anymore, and a lot of them have aged

out and are holding on to their positions and refusing to let young blood get in.”

— Issa Rae (b. 1985)

Yes, David Solie describes many Boomers I know, including me – both personally

and professionally. Each day, I fight to maintain my independence- my lifestyle

choices, control of my time, remain relevant, decisions regarding finances, health, etc.

As far as my legacy, creating Lead Like Big Mama is part of my quest to leave a legacy.

Being a place for storytelling & wisdom; to document my vast work and imparting

knowledge to others, a collection of resources & tools that contribute to strengthening

the nonprofit sector.

Thanks For Reading and Thanks in Advance for Sharing This Resource with Others!

Are you new to this work? Start your nonprofit on the right path - as a leader, board member,

grant writer or policy/advocate!

Find out what it takes BEFORE you begin asking for money from donors or funders!

Join me at this free 1-hour informational session to preview my upcoming three-part

course- “Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability”.

By sharing my experience and background in philanthropy: as a program officer at a foundation, grant writer, and a certified grant reviewer, you’ll learn what nonprofits need to start off right and build toward long-term financial sustainability. Join me at my next Big Mama’s Table:

Join me at my next Big Mama’s Table:

Free 1-hour webinar:

“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability” – A Preview

Date: Saturday, June 22 nd - 1:00 – 2:00 EST

Are you new to this work? Want to start your nonprofit on the right path - as a leader, board member, grant writer or policy/advocate?

Find out what it takes BEFORE you begin asking for money from donors or funders!

Join me at this free 1-hour informational session to preview my upcoming three-part

course- “Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability”.

By sharing my experience and background in philanthropy: as a program officer at a foundation, grant writer, and a certified grant reviewer, you’ll learn what nonprofits need to start off right and build toward long-term financial sustainability.

RSVP

From Big Mama’s Playbook:

Did you know:

• Research shows that 90% of successful requests are made by sources with whom you have an existing relationship. Fundraising is really about people and connecting with people; whether an individual or institutional (foundations/government) prospect.

Grant Tip: Three words to guide your funding pursuits: Look locally first. They are more

accessible to you and more likely to support and fund local initiatives.

Are you new to fundraising and grant writing? Know someone who needs to know?

Free 1-hour webinar:

Find out what it takes BEFORE you begin asking for money from donors or funders!

Join me at this free 1-hour informational session to preview my upcoming three-part

course- “Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability”.

What are some initial steps non-profits should take BEFORE the writing process even

begins? By sharing my experience and background in philanthropy: as a program officer, grant writer, and a certified grant reviewer, you’ll learn what nonprofits need to start off right and build long-term financial sustainability.

“Grant Ready: Assessing Your Nonprofit’s Fundability” – A Preview

Date: Saturday, June 22nd - 1:00 – 2:00 EST

RSVP

*Featured Grant Opportunities This Week:

• Infants/Children: (new) The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation Game Changer Grants of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 assist organizations making a positive impact at the grassroots level. Organizations must directly serve children, with a focus on health or education. Future Canes Grants provide support to strengthen and grow youth hockey programs in North Carolina, ensuring that hockey is accessible for everyone. Deadline: May 31, 2024 The Carolina Hurricanes Community Foundation The Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood supports projects in the following areas: early childhood welfare, early childhood education and play, and parenting education. Deadline: May 31, 2024, for letters of intent only. Caplan Foundation

• Community: Borealis Philanthropy invites applications for the Spark Justice Fund (SJF) focuses on supporting grassroots and power-building groups to de-carcerate, close jails, and advance transformative visions of pretrial justice in the communities most impacted by incarceration. Applicants may request grants of $10,000 to $25,000. Next deadline: May 31, 2024 Borealis Philanthropy The Ramona Community Foundation (RCF), an affiliate of the San Diego Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in the Ramona region. Funding may be used to expand existing programs, replicate programs tested in other communities, or to launch totally new efforts. Grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. Deadline: May 30 th 5:00 PM PST Ramona Community Foundation The U.S. Bank Foundation’s Community Possible Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in U.S. Bank’s 26-state geographic scope: AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, and WY Grants are provided in a number of areas. From the website: “New and emerging organizations bring balance to our grant making through our Letter of Interest (LOI) application. Nonprofit organizations new to the U.S. Bank Foundation may submit an LOI at any time during the year.” U.S. Bank Community Possible Grant Program

• Education: (new) The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation provides support in Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Washington, DC, to assist organizations seeking to promote the arts or create programs that inspire, engage, and teach. No application deadline indicated. Funding Guidelines Grants facilitate hands-on STEM activities for North Carolina students. The Burroughs Wellcome Fund’s Student STEM Enrichment Program supports diverse programs in North Carolina that enable primary and secondary students to participate in creative, hands-on STEM activities and pursue inquiry-based exploration. Grant awards provide up to $60,000 per year for three years. Deadline: June 11, 2024 Burroughs Wellcome Fund

• Health/Safety/Environment: The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment is administering the California Hazardous Waste Protection Fund, a grants program providing support to disadvantaged communities working on issues related to hazardous waste and toxins across the state. Established nonprofit organizations: grants in the range of $20,000 to $25,000. The foundation also welcomes proposals from small grassroots conservation and environmental justice groups, but the requested amount should be in the $5,000 to $7,500 range and not exceed 25 percent of the organization’s typical annual expenses. Deadline: Applications accepted throughout the year until April 2025 or when funds are exhausted. Rose Foundation People with Disabilities: The Borealis Philanthropy Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) supports groups led by people with disabilities, disabled people of color, disabled queer and trans folks, building a more liberatory world free from ableism. Grants of $75,000 per year for two years.  Deadline: May 29, 2024 Disability Inclusion Fund *This listing primarily focuses on regions of the country and targets communities: urban/suburban/rural where I have lived or worked, or other places that touch my life – where I know people are working hard to make a difference. And besides regional and state-specific grants, national and Federal grant opportunities related to the health and well-being of communities and families will also be included in this listing. *Featured Career Opportunities: Program Manager- Education, Orange County United Way, Irvine, CA. Position Description/How to Apply

*(listings included here are not a personal endorsement or for promotional purposes, just sharing…)

Weekly wisdom, in their own words:

“If not for the women and minorities who went before me in the struggle for equality, I would never have had the opportunity to study at Yale or become a civil rights attorney. So, I knew it was my turn to help move our democracy forward.”

— Karen N. Narasaki (1958 - )