The Holidays ... Nonprofits & You

The holiday season is a great time for air personalities to spread a little cheer and pick up information to prospect for new sources of revenue.

It's Right There ...

Take what you learned during the holidays and turn it to your benefit. If you want to make more money, volunteer to help promotions, the community relations person, OM or PD with the FCC's Quarterly Issues/Programs List. You will have access to all the public service information that comes in. I suggest you also volunteer to sift through all the e-mail requests from organizations. You will be a team player, but more important, it will give you the chance to know who is in control of budgets for nonprofit organizations. Knowing that person could lead to opportunities for emceeing their events or they might want to benefit from your talents in other ways.

How It Works ...

Nonprofit does not mean zero dollars to operate. In the philanthropic world there are budgets with salaried managers and workers. Organically you could become the go-to for charitable situations that will put money in your pocket. You'll no longer have to worry about how many paid personal appearances or remotes you get.

I Learned ...

For example, during my air talent days in Chicago, I stumbled upon celebrity auctioneering and earned a tidy sum by applying my talents to numerous local charity events. In fact, the experience taught me how to use my on-air status in the private sector as an extra revenue stream. It's easier to do so if you believe in the goals of an organization.

Nothing To Feel Guilty About ...

Remember, there is the right of free will. I an organization wants to pay you for doing something, you can say no and donate your time. But never feel as if you are accepting monies that would otherwise go to helping others; the dollars offered to you are a part of the operating expenses for any nonprofit. You can help others and yourself. It won't happen overnight, and you'll have to put in time volunteering your talent until such time you're able to become part of the annual budget. It's one of those feel factor things, hopefully you'll know when it's time to make a pitch.