Forprofit to Nonprofit

Posted 9/4/25 In an earlier post, I wrote about how fundraisers should be aware and manage the expectations of donors in order to maintain long-term relationships. What surprised me, when personally making the transition from for-profit to nonprofit (sales to fundraising), was how prior sales experience impacted my career transition. Maybe the best way to […]

Posted: 4/26/25 When I decided to take a risk in my career, transitioning from sales to fundraising in 2009, with the objective of finding more meaningful work, I was unaware that there appeared to be an unwritten rule at the time that nonprofits should be careful when considering the hire of sales professionals or others

Posted 1/26/25 As a former salesperson who transitioned to a career in nonprofit fundraising, I have discovered some unique differences in operations between both types of organizations that I did not expect. In this case, the mission. While both for-profits and nonprofits typically maintain mission statements to remain focused on the reason they exist, one

Posted 9/18/22 Another concept related to the move from business to nonprofit that I have noticed is the idea of belonging. In healthy human development, initial survival depends on food and shelter, and after those have been secured, the next stage involves acceptance into a tribe or group, or an assimilation into a community where

Posted 11/29/21 When I made a career change to the nonprofit sector, there seemed to be a subtle stigma regarding nonprofits hiring people from the business world, but it was not obvious (and it might even be changing somewhat). I am certainly not claiming to be an expert in this comparison, but I have observed

Posted 7/26/21 If you are considering a move to the nonprofit from the for-profit world, there are some aspects that you should consider because the change can be more involved than you might expect. It really does require some thought before you attempt the career change. Many people find themselves considering this move in mid-career

Posted 9/29/21 I have been very happy overall with the decision to make a career move to the nonprofit sector, although it did come with some unexpected bumps in the road. In preparation for this career move, I enrolled in a certification class for nonprofit management through a local community college, to help identify the

Posted 7/24/21 As a nonprofit professional who has successfully made a career transition from the for-profit sector, (and the road was not without a few bumps along the way), I often receive questions regarding how I changed careers and what was my experience. To many, the nonprofit world is unique, and they wonder if a