"If I would be in this business for business, I wouldn't be in this business." (Sol Hurok)

A recent article once again discussed the shortage of quality managers for not-for-profit organizations. In response to this growing market need, many leading MBA programs are developing specific programs to encourage and prepare students for such a career path.

Such programs can be a boon for the industry, not so much because of the skills they could teach, but because of the credibility they bring to the profession among MBA students who might have thought about philanthropy only as a hobby to be started post-IPO.

Business skills and acumen are needed in not-for-profit organizations. Not for profit leaders must be able to develop a strategic plan, prepare and manage a budget, and hire, motivate and retain employees. Donors recognize the importance of a highly-skilled manager and more and more are drawn to organizations with business savvy leadership. However, a successful manager must also believe in the cause, and be willing to give more of him or herself and, sometimes get a little less (salary, recognition, acknowledgement, credit) in return. As I tell others who are considering the transition from corporate America to not-for-profit, “it’s just like running a business but you are not running a business.”