Three Things to Read Next Week

Learn More About L3Cs

Legislation to create L3Cs in Colorado is pending. Since L3Cs have the potential to significantly change the nonprofit sector (for the better, I think), I have been trying to learn all I can about this new business form. Check out this article for a good introduction.   Thanks for Caryn Capriccioso of InterSector Partners, L3C for passing this along.

Funders and Expectations

Take five minutes to check out this article by Kevin Bolduc on funder expectations.   I recently wrote four grant applications, all for small amounts of funding, over the course of a few days.  Even though all of them used the Colorado Common Grant Application, it took way too long for the amount of funding that will come in if they are approved.  I always advise my clients to consider the opportunity cost when writing a $5,000 grant.  Maybe I need to take my own advice (and some funders could be more straightforward about the time required for applicants and grantees to participate in their funding process). 

Not Enough Good Nonprofits?

And, finally, an oldie-but-goodie.  About 75 percent of the phone calls I receive as part of my consulting practice are from people who want to start nonprofit organizations.  People around my office joke that I am the “dream crusher” because I am always giving people with good, heartfelt ideas the dose of reality that most really do not want to hear.   These calls always bring up the inevitable question, “Are there too many nonprofits?”  Here one perspective on that topic from Jan Masaoka.

 Thanks for stopping  by and have a good weekend!