In 1989 I attended a certificate curriculum at the University of Delaware in nonprofit management, my greatest focus was the role of the Executive Director and the Development Director which are both roles I retain today as the Founder of Ecology Crossroads and the Secretariat of Globcal International. The Development Director is responsible for developing funding sources and programs; while the Executive Director needs to implement the work approved by the board, with a Program Director, or sometimes, but most frequently developed by volunteer members based on best practice methods and careful decision making. Both roles are absolutely essential.
30 Years Accepting Donations
What I know with 30 years of experience is that, far too often many projects or programs never get the fanfare they deserve, they become idle or complacent; but donors should also know that these are the most worthwhile projects that need the most help. Popular programs operated by big organizations are frequently overfunded while more effective underfunded projects lay dormant, are in waste or are abandoned. Normally good programs develop and move forward despite the lack of funding.
I know this, since 1990 I have had 9 wildly successful campaigns, 1 failed campaign and 15 parked waiting for the right time and synergy. There is really a lot of work that goes into the planning and the details that is appreciated by the better contributors who are not skeptics, however skeptical people are welcome as donors also, they should ask questions and participate, a good organization serves the needs of the donors.
Really though, non-profit organizations jump through many hoops to comply with many special regulations to maintain their legal status with the IRS and good ratings. Donors need to trust the NGO or program they are dealing with and have confidence their donation will be well-spent or in our case well-invested in philanthropy.