Working in a nonprofit organization can be tough. Some days you might not quite feel like pulling yourself out of bed. But here are some motivational quotes that might help a little. For your consideration:
“Nonprofits Are Messy. Not enough money. Too many cooks. An abundance of passion.”
Joan Garry
If you’re familiar with the nonprofit guru Joan Garry, you’ll probably be familiar with this quote. And it may seem like an odd quote to “start your nonprofit day”, but there is some value in admitting where we are starting from.
Once we realize that nonprofits are often very messy and why, we can work towards finding solutions to the problems. And we have to organize that mess the best way we can. Understanding the reality of the situation is a great way to be realistic about goals and outcomes.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
Sun Tzu
No, all of these quotes aren’t going to be about how nonprofits are horrible and unorganized. But as we already discussed, they can be messy. But it’s important to realize that out of that you can create something special.
Nonprofit organizations can often be small to medium-sized groups that have a small number of people wearing a lot of different hats. But that can also give workers a lot of creativity.
One example is fundraisers that are being hosted by online gaming. This is an idea that a large structured organization may have frowned upon, but can be a sizable source of revenue. One streamer named Ranboo raised over $300,000 for Charity Water in August 2021.
But it doesn’t have to be just online gaming, it can be any idea or links that your charity may have with a larger audience. And that audience doesn’t have to be directly linked to your cause, just as the gamer’s audience was not linked to water charity. This is our favorite motivational quote!
“If you can’t feed 100 people, then feed just one.”
Mother Teresa
There’s a simple truth here in doing what you can with what you have and making sure you still give back to those in need. And every day in a nonprofit we are faced with cost restrictions, time restraints, and resource difficulties. But making sure that we help those who we can help can make a massive difference in the community.
Maybe it will be helping just one person today, but if you work it could be 100. And 1,000 later on. All nonprofit work has to start somewhere.
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
Yoda
An important lesson from Jedi Master Yoda is about the value of taking action and not overcomplicating ideas with too many meetings when there is a path of action. And sometimes when everyone is tied up in discussing how to do something, the best choice is to just get started and find out which idea works in practice.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. This is why nonprofit people are so attractive.”
Vu Le (via Elisabeth Kubler-Ross)
Technically this is a quote that Vu Le added a little bit onto, but that makes it a completely new quote. And yes, you’re all among the most beautiful people. If you want more famous quotes if they were about nonprofits, check out his hilarious blog.
Hopefully, these motivational quotes can help to brighten your nonprofit day!
While nonprofits often have funding and staff restraints, finding new ways to be more efficient can make a huge difference to the communities you serve. Less time spent behind a desk can mean more time spent in the field helping those that need help. Let’s start the day with motivational quotes.
Learn how Giveffect can help your nonprofit do more: www.giveffect.com