The question that everyone has to ask!

The other night I sat on a panel for board governance and inclusion.  It didn’t take long before someone asked the age old question! 

What is the ratio of giving for your organization?  How much do you spend on expenses?

The moderator responded quickly with 15% - 23% is an acceptable range! 

This always drives me crazy!  I could not sit still and just let this question go away!

I have lost members and gained detractors simply because a great deal of people really don’t understand what we do and most likely can’t read a profit and loss statement.

Nonprofits are often judged by their financials and 990’s (tax returns).  Since your organization utilizes income tax free, some people as well as the government feels as if it is the public’s money you are dealing with!

To this day I have board members that find it difficult to defend our financials. 

Consider this?

There are nonprofits that call you in the evening and ask that you donate to this or that.  Skilled paid solicitors that tug at your heart call after call.  Others spend countless hours and staff time soliciting funds from foundations and personal contacts, always chasing after that elusive charity dollar. 

What do The Noblemen do? 

We derive our income from membership, events and partners. 

Membership – monthly/annual dues – we plug you into community philanthropy, twelve membership meetings a year, opportunities to serve on committees for events and giving.  Membership has its privileges’ and I consider it a privilege to know all of our great members.

Events – Everything from black tie events to pouring beer and parking cars.   More weekends than not, we are busy doing something Noble.

Partners – We invite successful companies and individuals to invest in the community alongside of us.  These are businesses that understand that everyone plays a role in giving back.  In return, we ask that they attend all of our events as our guests to witness our impact in the community.

How are our ratios? 

We are 100% dedicated to utilizing all of our revenue to making it a better place for kids and us in Hampton Roads! 

Our latest annual report talks about “A Big Beautiful Smile”   That smile belongs to Amber, a NobleTeen that we met in 2006.  As a result of meeting us, Amber’s smile was restored through dozens of dental procedures and surgeries over the course of 6 years.  Not a single dollar passed through our books or out of Amber’s pocketbook.  That makes all of us smile as well!

Find that in our P & L! 

NobleOne