Giving Compass' Take:

• Rusty Stahl at Fund the People discusses the importance of devoting as many resources as possible to nonprofit workers, knowing that the ROI will be huge.

• Treating employees well should be a no-brainer, but many executives and funders can always use a reminder that this effort must be done with inclusion and equity in mind as well.

• Here's how to recruit nonprofit board members with purpose and process.

Since 2013, I’ve been traveling the country speaking with funders and nonprofits about why they should invest in nonprofit workers.

One of the questions both grantmakers and nonprofit executives ask me is “What if I invest in them, and then they leave the organization?” The implication is that when staff leave, any investments made in them was a waste.

The reality is that most nonprofit professionals are enthusiastic to gain new skills, knowledge, networks, and support systems that will enable them to do their best work. The work is, after all, the reason they are there in the first place. (Breaking news: most people do not join the nonprofit workforce to become rich and famous.) So, when organizations or funders invest in nonprofit professionals, they are likely to gain huge returns in loyalty, productivity, and length of staff tenure.

What happens when nonprofit professional move on?

When they do leave, happy staff alumni are more likely to give back to or partner with the organization from their positions in government, foundations, or colleague nonprofits. In the long-run, the organization can earn the status of a great place to work.

When most people leave nonprofits — especially those who have been well-supported and developed — they are very likely to remain with the cause, continuing their mission work from a different perch.

By not investing in our people, we diminish the value they are able to contribute to the organization. And, frankly, we reveal a lack of respect for our employees and ourselves.

Research shows that significant and sustained investments in employees can increase the performance, impact, and sustainability at the individual, organizational, and field levels. In addition, if done with intention, talent-investments can expand racial equity and other forms of inclusion in nonprofits.

Read the full article on investing in nonprofit workers by Rusty Stahl at Fund the People.