The Tale of Missed Opportunities
By Angie Thompson
Every so often, I share a little truth bomb: “It’s what you do today that puts you where you want to be before it’s too late to do anything to get there.” It’s a mouthful, I know. But it’s also a mantra for how we prioritize what’s important. Let me share a story about an organization that learned this the hard way—the tale of “Better Late Than Never, Inc.” (not their real name).
The Problem: Today’s Tasks, Tomorrow’s Troubles
Better Late Than Never, Inc. was a community nonprofit with a big heart and an even bigger vision. They were doing good work—feeding families, mentoring youth, and organizing local events. But when it came to managing their own house, well, let’s just say they were a little distracted by their passion.
- Data Collection? “We’ll get to it later.”
- Financial Records? “As long as the bills are paid, we’re fine.”
- Stories of Impact? “People know we’re helping, right?”
For years, “later” was the mantra. Then came the perfect storm: a grant opportunity that could’ve transformed their programs. A national foundation was seeking organizations in their niche. The application required detailed data on community impact, financial records, and at least three compelling stories showing how their work changed lives. Easy, right? Not for Better Late Than Never, Inc.
The Missed Opportunity
When they tried to pull the pieces together, chaos erupted. The data they needed hadn’t been tracked. Financial records were incomplete. And while they had plenty of anecdotal stories, none had been documented properly. By the time they scrambled to assemble something halfway presentable, the deadline had passed.
That grant went to another organization—one that had invested time today to prepare for tomorrow. The funding could’ve expanded their programs, hired staff, or even built a new facility. Instead, they were left with a hard truth: they hadn’t prioritized the right things.
The Fix: How to Get Where You Want to Be
The good news? Better Late Than Never, Inc. turned things around. Here’s how:
- Start Small, Stay Consistent: They began tracking basic data—number of people served, hours volunteered, and dollars spent—on a weekly basis.
- Designate a Keeper of Records: They assigned one team member to oversee financial reporting and partnered with a bookkeeper to fill in the gaps.
- Gather Stories in Real-Time: They made it a point to document stories as they happened, creating a shared folder where staff could upload photos, quotes, and write-ups.
- Set Monthly Checkpoints: They reviewed their progress each month to ensure they were ready for the next big opportunity.
Within a year, they were ready to apply for another major grant—and this time, they got it.
The Lesson
This story is a reminder for all of us. Whether you’re running a nonprofit, a business, or even just managing your own goals, the work you do today is an investment in your future. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the looming deadline. Take small, intentional steps now. Your future self will thank you.
So, what’s the one thing you can do “today” to set yourself up for success? Let’s make it happen before it’s too late to do anything about it.
If you are unsure where to start, we will collaborate with you to uncover the hidden nuggets you can uncover right now. Contact us, and let’s get started.
Angie Thompson is an independent development consultant who specializes in messaging for donor impact. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Green Country Chapter and a member of the Oklahoma Center for Non-Profits. Learn more at AngieThompsonConsulting.com.