Nonprofit HR’s Blog

To Our Partners in and for Positive Social Impact,

I’m writing to you today in my new role as Managing Principal of Nonprofit HR, Powered by OneDigital. While some of you know me well, others may be hearing my name for the first time. With the recent transition from our founder, Lisa Brown Alexander, a visionary leader and pioneer for innovative talent management in the social impact sector, I’m both honored and humbled to carry forward the mission she began. These are very big shoes to fill, and I remember that every day and with every decision I make.

Now more than six months into our acquisition by OneDigital, I bring deep respect for the legacy we are building upon and strong commitment to and trust garnered with the thousands of clients and missions we serve.

But we are operating in a new context and amongst ever-shifting narratives.

There has been a sharp and troubling rise in rhetoric questioning the value, credibility and even the necessity of nonprofit organizations. These sweeping generalizations are not only misinformed, but also, they ignore the complexity, diversity and measurable impact of the work being done by organizations like yours every day. Organizations led by passionate people – employees and volunteers, doing mission-critical work for the greater good.

Here’s something else to consider: Nonprofits employ more than 12 million people nationwide, making the sector the third-largest private workforce in the U.S. and collectively, the sector contributes over $1.5 trillion to the economy annually. There are nearly 2 million nonprofits registered in the U.S. and many more across the globe that show up as NGO and in support of other social impact causes. The people in these organizations, every day, address society’s most urgent social, environmental and human needs – often with fewer dollars available than needed to meet demand.

As Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, stated in recent testimony to Congress, these attacks “create a chilling effect on public discourse, restrict the ability of nonprofits to advocate for their missions, and ultimately harm the very communities they aim to support.” She put into words what many of you already know: The mission is harder now, and more urgent than ever. Diane’s words fuel how our people show up in service to our clients every day.

After more than 16 years at Nonprofit HR, I can confidently say that we don’t just serve the sector. We believe in it. We come from it, and we continue to support it in our own communities. We understand missions, strategy and talent. And we understand what happens when there’s a disconnect between the three. We also know what it takes to sustain the people and organizations doing some of the most essential work in society.

In my time at the firm, I’ve had the privilege of watching us partner with purpose-driven organizations including those in education, housing, health, the environment, arts and culture, faith-based, and more. From nimble, micro-sized nonprofits to the most sophisticated, large-scale institutions, we’ve supported organizations of every shape, size and level of complexity. Many of our team members have built their careers inside nonprofits, bringing lived experience to every engagement. For us, this work is not just professional; it’s deeply personal.

We are here with and for you as fierce advocates for your mission’s success. And we remain clear and focused on who we collectively serve, and why.

In partnership on purpose,

Sid Abrams
Managing Principal, Nonprofit Practice
Nonprofit HR, Powered by OneDigital