Jessica Lowe-Minor

Almost one year ago, I attended a virtual event that really shocked me. The first local "Galentine's Day Brunch," organized by activists seeking to raise awareness, brought home just how big of a problem period poverty is throughout the United States - and in our own community. A 2019 study found that 20% of American girls ages 13 to 19 can't afford to purchase menstrual hygiene products and that period poverty is a major reason why girls miss school.

When board members think about nonprofit revenue, their mind immediately jumps to fundraising and grants. What type of special event should we plan? How can we tap into available government or foundation dollars? One important thing to consider, though, is that there are numerous ways nonprofits can earn money similar to traditional businesses – via fees for their services, licensing their intellectual property, selling goods or experiences, or marketing their unique expertise.

Companies that give back to their communities get more: more customers, more talent, more loyalty and more profits. In fact, a 2014 Nielsen survey of more than 30,000 people in 60 countries found that 67 percent of people would rather work for a socially responsible company, and 55 percent would pay more for a product or service from a company that practices corporate social responsibility.