Why Funders Might Pass You By (Even If Your Mission Is Amazing)

Hey Nonprofit Leader, What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

Let me guess…You’re lying awake thinking: “How do I keep this ship afloat with a crew of volunteers who are wonderful—but also have jobs, families, and a tendency to ghost me during tax season?”

You're not alone. Just this past week, two different nonprofit leaders confided in me—both saying essentially the same thing:

“We love being volunteer-run! But we’re totally exhausted, and no one wants to touch the admin work!”

Cue my gentle, consultant-y sigh.

This is the moment I break out the nonprofit facts of life (not those facts of life—although let’s be honest, both involve a lot of improvisation and a strong stomach for drama).

Here’s the truth:

Being an all-volunteer-run organization doesn’t make you more noble. It just makes you tired.

Let’s get real. A nonprofit is still a business—you just happen to have a mission that pulls at the heartstrings. The “cause” side? Volunteers often excel there—serving meals, running programs, collecting donations, stuffing bags, teaching workshops. All heart, no paycheck. Beautiful.

But the business side? That’s where things get dicey.Who’s filing your 990? Managing your books? Keeping the website functional? Writing grants? These are specialized skills—and relying solely on volunteers here can be risky. Yes, you might get lucky with a QuickBooks wizard or a retired grant writer—but is it sustainable? Is it wise?

I’ve been there. When I founded Desert Best Friend’s Closet, we were 100% volunteer-driven. I wore that badge with pride… until I realized funders weren’t lining up to support our “nobility.” They wanted to invest in organizations that were investing in themselves.

Let’s break it down:

All-Volunteer Nonprofits

Pros:

• Lower Overhead: No salaries = smaller budget = less fundraising pressure

• High Passion: Volunteers = pure mission love

• Diverse Skills: You never know who will walk in the door

Cons:

• Inconsistent Commitment: Volunteers = flakiness happens

• Limited Accountability: Who’s really in charge when everyone’s “just helping”?

• Skill Gaps: Web updates, payroll, and strategic planning don’t always fit in volunteer comfort zones

Paid Staff Nonprofits

Pros:

• Reliable & Professional: Defined roles, set schedules, clear structure

• Skilled Workforce: Grants, HR, finance—handled like pros (because they are pros)

• Accountability: Goals, metrics, deliverables… ahhh, structure

Cons:

• Higher Costs: Salaries, taxes, benefits—it adds up

• Turnover Potential: The sector isn’t known for six-figure perks

• Staff/Volunteer Tension: "Why do they get paid and I don’t?" is a real vibe sometimes

Here’s the thing: If your nonprofit is trying to scale, increase its impact, or secure significant funding—you need to look at investing in capacity. Funders don’t just want to hear about your passion—they want to see you’re built to last.

So, nonprofit warrior, if this post hit a little too close to home and your to-do list reads like a full-time job (but you’re not getting paid), let’s chat.

Schedule a call with me.Together, we’ll explore sustainable models that honor your mission and your sanity.You deserve sleep, structure, and maybe even benefits.