The Big 3 Nonprofit Problems: Governance, Money and ...

Nonprofits have long struggled with board governance and finding creative ways to raise money. But a recent survey of DC, Maryland and Virginia nonprofits found they’re facing a whole new hurdle and one organization is stepping in to help.

Finding people with certain skills has emerged as one of the top three issues facing nonprofits, says Center for Nonprofit Advancement CEO Glen O’Gilvie (above). Leadership skills are in biggest demand, especially people who can lead through a crisis. Nonprofits are also in need of people with strong communications skills and a creative approach to fundraising, says Glen. The human resources challenge was revealed in the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s annual survey of its 1,000 members, who are in DC, PG and Montgomery counties, and all of Virginia. Glen says board governance still remains the top challenge, and organizations are also continuing to find ways to diversify their revenue.

Glen has led CNA for over seven years. It responded to the leadership shortage by launching a six-month program that prepares nonprofit senior staff for executive leadership roles. It’s at capacity, with 30 people signed up. CNA is also throwing its first national conference, where 450 nonprofit leaders from all over the country will come to DC for three days in April to network and collaborate. Some of the speakers will come from the corporate world to share their secrets for growth. 

After peppering Glen with questions about the nonprofit sector, we learned about his background. Here’s what you didn’t know about Glen:

Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Current home: Upper Marlboro
Why a career in nonprofits: As an undergrad, took several jobs to pay for an off-campus apartment. One was helping troubled youth with academics and in their personal lives. “I realized I wanted to help people in need.”
School: Virginia State University (undergrad in sociology and master’s in education with focus on community guidance and substance abuse prevention and counseling).
Best lesson: Networking helps drive organizations forward. 
Family: Married 15 years; two children (15 and 8).
Free time: Walking, hiking, biking.
Favorite vacation spot: Jamaica, where family is from. 
Favorite DC restaurant: Oya
Most people don’t know: He’s a Catholic school boy and a former altar boy. And yes, he plans to see the Pope from afar this week.