You Run a Nonprofit. Why Are You Here?

Stephanie Cooper, LMSW

CEO | Board Governance Expert | Nonprofit Consultant | Fractional ED | Entrepreneur| Enhancing Missions. Transforming Communities

September 2, 2025

"I’m surprised to see you here." That was the response I received from a colleague several years ago at a networking event for business leaders. I was there because I wanted to connect with other like-minded individuals. With drink in hand, I went about chatting with others and making small talk. Then I ran into a colleague that I had worked with for many years. After catching up she said, "you know, this is for business leaders and you're a nonprofit". She made it crystal clear that she saw the divide between nonprofits and the business community. My stomach dropped. Silence. Then I rallied...

I that told her that even though I was in the nonprofit sector, we were a successful company, and we were making impact in the community, socially and financially, just like other for-profit businesses. The conversation trailed off and she awkwardly walked away.

That moment has stayed with me because it highlights a common misconception that nonprofit leaders are separate from the business community. We often stick to our own networks because it feels comfortable and safe. But what if we changed our mindset?

• Nonprofits operate just like their for-profit counterparts. Nonprofits have revenue and expenses. While their revenue sources might be different (grants, donations, program fees), nonprofits must manage a budget, control costs, and generate enough income to sustain their operations and mission. They have a bottom line, just like a for-profit company, even if it's not a significant profit.

• A nonprofit's core mission is what they "sell" to the world. Whether it's providing food, education, or disaster relief, they must deliver a high-quality service that creates value for their beneficiaries and attracts funding from their "customers" (donors, foundations, and government).

• They face competition. Nonprofits often compete for the same funding, talent, and public attention. They must differentiate themselves, build a strong brand, and demonstrate their impact to stand out in a crowded market.

• They require strong leadership and strategy. A successful nonprofit needs a strategic plan, a skilled board of directors, and talented staff to achieve its goals. Just like a business, it must adapt to market changes, be innovative, and operate efficiently to succeed.

I've learned that a business mindset has allowed me to be at tables that many nonprofits don't sit at. Those connections have led to collaborations, opportunities, and a better understanding of the intersection between NGOs and for-profit businesses. My biggest takeaway? Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You never know what type of influence you may have when you take a seat at the table. Do you want your nonprofit visible? Here's a few ways to engage: Join formalized business networks, sit on boards that don't represent nonprofits, join your local chamber and/or attend business events (yes, I still attend business networking events) even if there are no other nonprofits represented. Make your nonprofit voice heard. Make a space for yourself and other nonprofits in places where they are not seen. Recommend a nonprofit leader for a speaking engagement (outside of the nonprofit community). We're experts on funding, branding, marketing, leadership, strategic planning, media and more. Give a recommendation to a nonprofit business and its leaders to help build awareness. Who hasn't clicked a Yelp button or given a five start review on Amazon to acknowledge a business doing good? Lifting others up is easy, powerful and provides opportunity. So, whose table do you sit at?

If you're a nonprofit leader, are you staying in your lane? Are you being strategic about when and where to show up to make your nonprofit visible? If you want to expand your reach and connect with a wider network, let's continue this conversation!