A Board is not just 3 people on a piece of paper. You learned the hard way. You chase them down, beg them to fundraise. They ghost you. You probably have a Founding board who have no idea what they're doing--neither do you. Learn how to create a culture of giving, active and engaged through effective board training that creates the roadmap, process and practices for an active board.
In the beginning you thought you would be delivering programs not knowing you were starting a business with a purpose. HR, governance, accounting, marketing, fundraising. The nonprofit sector has established rules and regulations. When you make stuff up (MSU). It leads to self-funding. Learn the systems you need in order to help you grow the organization.
Nonprofit does not mean no profit, but this myth is perpetuated when you don't take a salary. Nonprofits should make the same or MORE than for profit leaders. Say no to the nonprofit poverty cycle and start paying yourself first because it sends a message that your work is valuable. Shift the mindset from "taking from the cause" to "sustaining your leader". Learn how to build your Salary into the budget and grant.
