The Chains on Charity

Dan Pallotta, who invented the Breast Cancer 3-day fundraisers we’re all familiar with, has some provocative views on the two different rulebooks we have: one for business, and one for charity.

For many businesses, getting single-digit market share can mean millions of users and millions of dollars. And, the old adage, “It takes money to make money,” is an accepted truth.

Yet, many charities are expected to change the world and battle systemic problems affecting billions of people on fractions of that amount. Popular rating organizations judge charities on overhead, not impact, and we impose a “vow of poverty” on the nonprofit sector.

What are the implications? Do we really want substantive change in the world? What’s our track record?

If you’ve ever donated a dollar, you should read this article on Dan’s TED talk from last week: “A New Way to Judge Nonprofits.”

How does it strike you? Share your comments below.