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Making a Social Investment - No Excuses
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee had a remarkable year in 2009, especially considering our stellar performance was accomplished against the backdrop of an ongoing uncertain economic environment. As of this writing, we have set agency records for children served (over 2,500), and revenue generated (nearly $2.6 million). Unfortunately, too many of our colleagues in the social profit sector cannot claim similar levels of success.
In the most recent issue of the “Chronicle of Philanthropy” and article entitled “93% of Charities Feel Effects of Recession” noted the following trends:
• In 2008, 75% of charities reported that they were feeling the effects of the recession.
• 80% of organizations said they had lost financial support compared with 52% in 2008.
• More than 40% said their financial situation had worsened over the past six months.
• About half said they had dipped into reserves to help cope.
• More than 40% had laid off staff compared to 28% in 2008.
• More than 2/3 report they have been told by their supporters that future grants and gifts are likely to decline.
Why then is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee enjoying such success against seemingly insurmountable odds? I believe one key reason is that our stakeholders are receiving the message that our mission is a worthy and necessary recipient of their investment of time, talent, and treasure in order to continue the expansion of our one-to-one mentoring services that are having such a positive impact in communities across Middle Tennessee. Secondly, as I mentioned at our annual breakfast event last month, the kids we serve are not looking for excuses related to the economy as to why they cannot have the Big Brother or Big Sister they desire. We therefore, make no excuses, but try to find creative ways to achieve the grand vision of serving every child who wants or needs a mentor in their lives.
I am confident that most of you reading these words agree that an investment in children is not optional based on economic conditions. It is an absolute necessity that we make every effort to help clear a better path for ALL kids to be able to engage in an equitable pursuit of the “American Dream.” However, this noble quest will not be without significant challenges again in 2010.
You see, as a high performing social profit enterprise, Big Brothers Big Sisters faces a quandary not experienced by our more “traditional” business enterprise counterparts. As those businesses become more successful – serving more clients and providing more services- they are generating revenues that can be re-invested in their companies to fuel growth. Conversely, as we continue to be more successful –serving more clients and providing more services- we are actually depleting our revenues and must be in constant search of broader sources of funding merely to survive, much less think about growing our services to the youth and families of Middle Tennessee! Our services to them are free, so it actually costs us more as a high performing agency.
I often refer to us as a social profit enterprise because we do return a profit to you and the community in the form of: more individuals reaching their full potential; improved school performance and graduation rates; safer communities; healthier lifestyles; greater productivity –not to mention meaningful jobs for talented people. Yes, our continuing growth also helps to create new career opportunities in the job market. Our contention is that what we do as an organization is no less important – and arguably more important- than fee for services enterprises.
Yet when it comes to building sufficient revenues to produce the aforementioned community benefits, we have been shackled by the old paradigm “non-profit” jargon of gift, donation and charitable contribution, rather than what it really is – a social investment. We produce a service and end product if you will, worthy of investment sufficient to ensure not only our sustainability, but also our continued expansion of services which literally are a key component of transformational change in our communities which benefits all of us.
The impact that Big Brothers Big Sisters can make in Middle Tennessee if we are able to take this business to scale, should not be limited by the flawed, over 100 year old funding model we must currently operate under. Make no mistake – we are already achieving great things in spite of present circumstances – serving over 2,500 kids. Imagine what the impact could be however, if we were able to serve 5,000, or even 10,000 kids! To put this in context, by most accounts, the actual need for our one-to-one mentoring services in Middle Tennessee is in excess of 75,000 children.
So we thank you for your support in 2009 and call on you to join with us again in the New Year as social investors in the lives of children and families. Together we have achieved great things thus far. Our children demand that we do phenomenal things in the coming months and years. I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to creating many more little moments and big magic in 2010 with your help.
Blessings,
Lowell
Read previous editions of our CEO Corner by clicking below:
Lowell Perry, Jr. is CEO of
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee.
If you would like to direct questions or comments to him,
he may be reached at
615.329-9191 ext. 222 or lowell.perry@bbbs.org.
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