We’re not surprised to hear that the future nonprofit leaders of the world are discouraged by the industry.  In a career full of emotion, compassion, and hope, the reality of money, lack of commitment and empathy, is enough to make anyone discouraged.  A recent study conducted by the Meyer Foundation and CompassPoint Nonprofit Services found that young nonprofit workers are frustrated by the monetary aspects of their work as well as the morale.  Low pay, tiresome work, long hours, the list goes on.  

The study, based on surveys of 6,000 social workers nationwide, found that 64% of respondents have financial concerns about committing to a career in nonprofit work. The issues surrounding pay are not new to the nonprofit world, of course. What was surprising was that just over 1/3 of respondents aspires to be an executive director someday.  And with an exodus of baby boomers leaving current positons to retire, this the time when young persons should be excited about the prospect of moving up.  Its not a matter of having a ceiling, the problem is there isn’t even curiousity to see what’s up there.

We can’t say it enough. Embrace your future leaders. Pay them well.  Take the time to teach and mentor them.  You’ll reap the benefits-as will they.

What are your thoughts on the future leaders of the nonprofit world? What should organizations do in order to encourage and develop younger generations in the field?