When Will I Eat Lunch? Reflections from our Nonprofit Leader

Being a nonprofit executive director requires self-motivation, passion and persistence that can only be matched by that of an Olympic gymnast. Most leaders will agree, it’s impossible to describe the breadth of skills that are required daily, not to mention the value of being able to shift between them at a moment’s notice.

Maybe that sounds dramatic, but as I (finally!) relax after a day filled with everything from stuffing envelopes and setting up chairs to asking for a long-standing donor to support a major campaign, I wonder where the week has gone and when I’ll finally eat my lunch.

Despite this frantic-sounding daily work life, Woodcock Nature Center, like most non-profits, is a typical business. We keep our finances in good order and our budget balanced, our employees have professional training, and we move thoughtfully through strategic planning. We do all this on a shoestring budget as we race against the clock to serve as much of our community as possible. It’s no small feat…  but we’re here for it!

Nonprofits like Woodcock rely on fundraising revenue and mission-focused programming. More than 30% of Woodcock’s revenue comes from donations - from generous folks like you to family foundations and local corporations. These fundraising efforts are crucial. They fuel free programming that, in our case, brings nature education into communities where it’s lacking. They also fund field trips and busing costs for students to visit our preserve and allow educators to lead free hikes and programs on our trails, which often welcome those new to Woodcock and to outdoor experiences.

Woodcock’s programming expertly and creatively connects our community to nature daily. We are mandated to keep this focus despite any business challenges, fundraising dips, or shifts in registration that may arise.

Like most non-profit leaders, I’m motivated by the ‘wins’ - and fortunately, we have those in spades! From the family enjoying a hike together to the timid visitor holding a snake for the first time to the smiling schoolchildren let loose from the school bus onto our playground … every donor meeting, each budget balanced, every email sent and envelope stuffed adds up to something special: a connection to the incredible creatures, both human and non, that share our world and the lessons they have to offer. Ultimately, when I look back on the week, these are the moments that make every task worth doing.