But wait, it get's worse! Just when nonprofit boards thought that the news at the national level was not looking great - local governmental entities, equally stressed, are back looking for what they can do to balance their budgets. If by now what was happening in Washington wasn't enough of a stimulus for nonprofit boards to stand-up, spread-out and get actively engaged in communicating with their elected representatives, surely losing property tax exemptions should raise the ante. Nonprofit board members should be on notice that their voices count and as such, members should: 1) be educated and equipped with the data and stories that indicate what will happen when governmental monies and/or exemptions are at stake; 2) be coordinated and directed toward where their voice is mostly importantly heard; and 3) GO OUT AND GIVE YOUR MESSAGE! Your voice matters and if you, as an owner truly care about the future of your constituents, you must speak and speak loudly and clearly. There is no more time left.
This Philadelphia Inquirer story presents an example of one city challenged by less funds and lots of nonprofits.