For Lent and Forever: Give up the Poor-Us-Mentality

One of our all-time fabulous purchases was from a yard sale. It was a vast oriental rug (240 knots per square inch) that fit the living room in our new home. It cost $500 with the mat. Later, we had it appraised for $8,000.

Over the 20 years we owned it, we paid more to insure it than it cost. When we bought a new house, the rug wouldn’t fit in any of the rooms. We visited a local rug dealer asking for a trade-in. He suggested we donate it.

The dealer runs a for-profit. He wasn’t in the position to offer us a tax deduction, but you, dear nonprofit leader, can.

Before you bemoan the challenges you face as a nonprofit, remember the benefits that come with it.

Claim them.

Leverage them.

Be strong.