February 13, 2008. When Ruth Westreich, President of TheWestreich Foundation, spoke about Solving San Diego’s Non-Profit and Philanthropic Puzzle at the La Jolla home of Harle Montgomery, the 30 guests were enlightened and educated. 

The following summarize the points from Mrs. Westreich’s presentation:

1. Non profits are under-staffed, under-funded and under-resourced.
2. Non Profits comprise the 6th largest economy in the world
3. Only 2 ½% have revenues over $10,000
4. The Executive Director must be an external communicator and relationship-builder as well as chief fundraiser.
5. Measuring social change is challenging and costly and not easily achievable.
6. Donors don’t use their financial clout when dealing with nonprofits
7. They give for too short of time periods to ensure success (3 years or greater is preferable)
8. They give without requiring specific outcome data
9. 40% of non-profits go belly-up within 5 years
   

Key to success is:

• More education on all sides
• Better-educated nonprofit leaders
• More community building among sectors
• More knowledge of importance of building infrastructure and adequate personnel to insure successful programs