Other than finding money, what is the biggest challenge charities face?

I was at a business networking function the other day and met a gentleman who is the new Chairman of the Board for a local charity. He recently retired and felt that this would be a great use of his time. With a smile on his face, he asked me what the biggest challenge was other than raising money. It is a question that boards often ask me. The answer is simple — without leadership, either the board or the leadership of an organization will face struggles. Leaders cast the vision and can articulate it with passion. Leaders aren’t afraid to go out and talk to others about their mission and goals. Leaders get staff and volunteers get excited about where you are going and the role you play. If I have a strong leader on a campaign or running an organization, then I have great confidence that we will meet our goal. So many people focus on the money, but that is the end result of doing everything right. If you have strong leadership and focus on relationships, then the money will follow.