The real way nonprofit organizations can improve themselves

Sometimes you just have to cut costs. Cutting costs saves money, but it does other things too. And you can’t cut your way to greatness.

The Veritus Group Blog reminds us that the path to greatness for nonprofits is to be better — not spend less: A Race to the Top. Check out this different way of looking at this issue:

• You pay your staff well.
  
• Your projects and programs are the best.
  
• You invest in showing impact.
  
• You cultivate a robust fundraising program.
  
• You have high overhead … and you don’t apologize for it.
  

I’ve been in plenty of situations where leaders thought cutting and slashing was the only way to improve things. Those are rarely great (or even particularly good) organizations. I know which organizations I’d rather work for — or donate to. The great ones are always moving up.