Diving into the world of nonprofits requires a willingness to explore and be curious about where your business expertise can add value.
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In a society that often separates the business world from the nonprofit, I believe we are missing out on an amazing opportunity to create a bigger positive impact. As someone who has spent over two decades leading within industries such as telecommunications, real estate, healthcare, and education, I have found that my professional experiences are essential for the nonprofit realm. Any business-minded person should ask themselves, “How can I use my expertise in business to help this nonprofit solve problems more effectively and expand its reach?”
The first time I began to understand the power of this partnership was while serving on the board of Kids on the Move (KOTM), a Utah-based nonprofit that provides access to services and resources to children with special needs and developmental delays. This position showed me that strategic thinking can be pivotal in creating foundational change.
In those days, private insurance refused to cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism, leaving parents to bear the heavy financial burden. As an organization, we did our best to lighten the load, funding as many hours of therapy as possible through donations and grants. Unfortunately, grants were scarce, and paired with the incredible need, we knew that was not a sustainable option. Alongside parents and other organizations, we petitioned for state legislation to mandate insurance coverage for ABA therapy.
Finally, Medicaid initiated a pilot program to reimburse ABA therapy, and our organization was selected to participate. The model would be a litmus test to see if it was possible to build a framework to bill private insurance to cover ABA therapy. A successful pilot was critical not only for many families to receive desperately needed services but also for ensuring the long-term survival of the autism center.
As with any opportunity, there were challenges. Our organization had traditionally operated on a spend-down model reliant on grants and donations, lacking the processes and procedures of a typical startup.
Implementing a startup model to be reimbursed by Medicaid for ABA services demanded adaptive strategies—ones I was well equipped with, thanks to my business background. That is when I decided to step back from the board and take up a position as COO at KOTM.
This is where the magic happens. Thanks to my startup experience, I understand how to forecast labor cost and expenses, ensure cash flow, and appropriately use all the colors of money to create a solid fiscal foundation. I’ve found that these skills are often absent in traditional nonprofit structures. Yet nonprofits can use entrepreneurs’ skills to adapt to evolving markets, access new resources, and secure diverse funding streams. Imagine the impact if more business talent merged their desire to do good in the world with their expertise. What could we achieve then?
It’s time to erase the barriers and mindsets that prevent skilled professionals from participating in nonprofit work. Diving into the world of nonprofits requires a willingness to explore and be curious about where your expertise can add value. When I joined the board of KOTM, I stepped into a space filled with educators, healthcare professionals, and parents, and, to be honest, I was unsure if I could actually be of any help. But I saw the amazing work that KOTM was doing, and I saw there was a need, and I wanted to help.
Simply showing up and digging in made it clear where I could apply my skills. By contributing my voice, my talents, and my perspectives, I was able to be a part of a team. And this time, our impact wasn’t padding packers or improving the bottom line but creating a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of struggling families.
If you’re considering getting involved with a nonprofit, don’t hesitate. Understand that your community needs you. Whether joining boards or volunteering your time, your contribution can transform not only a nonprofit but also an entire industry. Be bold, make the call, and let them know how your expertise can help in a meaningful way.
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