• Nonprofits
  • Corporate
  • Volunteers
  • Resources
  • Case Studies
  • Blog
  • About

Loan Executives to Companies?

a room of professional sitting in a boat meeting
Jul 1st, 2008 Nonprofit Management

In the 1980s, there was a movement to create loaned executive programs at companies, which would send their leaders for a period of time to a local nonprofit. The United Way, from what I have read, was one of the leaders of this movement. It seems to have died down in the last ten years. I rarely come across a company with a loaned executive program or a nonprofit hosting one.

It occurred to me recently that we should resurrect these programs, but with a twist. The nonprofit sector should loan their executives to companies, not vice versa.

Based on my short tenure in both sectors, nonprofits clearly have the edge on management. Effective nonprofit managers must:
  • Manage to a mission and bottom line
  • Motivate and retain employees on below market salaries
  • Often hire at risk employees as part of their mission
  • Deal with utopic employee expectations
  • Innovate with no funds

When our pro bono volunteers visit clients, they often write to us and tell us how amazed they are with the ability and dedication of their client’s management. It blows them away.

Imagine the innovation we could spark at companies if they had a taste of nonprofit management. They would also likely find ways to boost their margins by identifying scores of cost cutting opportunities.

The companies, of course, would need to cover the opportunity costs of borrowing these executives – but the ROI would be clearly in their favor.

Make connections that make a difference by joining of community pro bono users and doers. Learn more now. 
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin
Pro Bono Week logo
Nov 18th, 2021 Nonprofit Management, Pro Bono Week, Small Business, Volunteer Consulting

Pro Bono Week 2021: Taproot Doubles Impact for Social Good

Thanks to all who joined us during Pro Bono Week (October 24-30), a time to celebrate pro bono service around the world. This week...

office coworkers at dry erase board
May 12th, 2022 Nonprofit Management

How to Create a Nonprofit Strategic Plan

A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for an organization to define goals in order to achieve its mission. It...

Let’s stay in touch

Sign up to receive news and updates about pro bono service.

Join
    • Nonprofits
    • Corporate
    • Volunteers
    • FAQs
    • Resources
    • Case Studies
    • Blog
    • Press
    • About
    • Taproot Plus
    • Events
    • Supporters
    • Donate
    • Contact
    • Careers
    • Terms

Helping nonprofits and social change organizations solve critical societal challenges via pro bono.

2022 Taproot FoundationTerms Privacy