It Takes More Than a Peer — Why Mentorship Must Be a Philanthropic Priority

Part 2 of the blog series: Reimagining Support for Nonprofit Leadership

I recently returned from a conference on personal development that left a lasting impression. It was not simply because of the excellent content, which provided me with an action plan I am continuing to implement every day, but because of the meaningful connections I made.

There is something profoundly restorative about sitting in a room filled with individuals who understand the unique pressures of entrepreneurship, people who get it. The conversations that came about, whether over coffee, between workshops, or during evening gatherings, were rich with honesty, vulnerability, and shared experiences. These were my fellow entrepreneurs, walking similar paths, carrying similar burdens, and speaking openly about the challenges and triumphs of leading their businesses.

I left feeling invigorated by the content, but also by the sense of belonging that comes from being in the company of others who truly understand this work; people who get it. I recognize that peer connections matter deeply to us all. They remind us that we are not alone in our pursuits and more importantly, our struggles.

Eventually We All Went Home

After the conference came to a close, each of us returned to our respective businesses, with our own goals and responsibilities awaiting us. I resumed my daily work, as did everyone else, facing familiar pressures and decisions.

And, as often happens to me, the solitude of entrepreneurship quickly returned. The connections forged at the conference were powerful, but they cannot support me through every decision or challenge ahead. While peers can offer support and encouragement in the moment, they are not always present when difficult choices must be made.

Peer Support Is Valuable, but It Is Not Sufficient

There is immense value in connecting with peers. Those relationships offer empathy, perspective, and camaraderie. They help us feel seen and understood in the moment.

However, entrepreneurship requires more than shared experience. It demands wisdom, perspective, and long-term guidance.

Peers provide reassurance, while mentors provide clarity.

Peers walk beside us, but mentors help illuminate the path ahead.

Mentorship is not simply about advice. It is about cultivating vision and learning from those who have successfully navigated the road we are traveling.

I have found tremendous value in having a business coach and participating in a group coaching program. Both offer steady guidance, accountability, and a broader perspective, something that can be difficult to find when working in isolation.

I also rely on one or two trusted individuals within my personal network who serve as sounding boards and mentors. These relationships are rooted in honesty and mutual respect, and their insight has helped me navigate extremely complex situations. Similarly, I offer that mentorship to others, knowing how important it is to have thoughtful guidance at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.

Mentorship takes many forms, whether through formal coaching, structured programs, or informal connections with trusted peers. What matters most is having access to steady, meaningful perspective that supports both personal and professional growth.

Mentorship Is Not a Luxury. It Is an Essential Investment

Too often, mentorship is viewed as an optional enhancement, something to pursue only if there is additional time or funding available. This approach is short-sighted.

Mentorship is not a luxury. It forms part of the essential infrastructure of sustainability and long-term success. 

If we are committed to strengthening nonprofit organizations and supporting the leaders within them, mentorship must become a funding priority.

This means supporting structured mentorship programs across the sector, including mentorship, coaching, and leadership development in grant budgets as fundamental components rather than add-ons. It also means prioritizing mentorship programs that focus on inclusion, ensuring that leaders from diverse backgrounds have equitable access to guidance and support.

A Balanced Approach

Peer connections are meaningful. They offer support, shared understanding, and a sense of belonging.

Yet often, these connections are brief, limited to particular moments or events.

Mentorship tends to take root more deeply. It is a relationship that grows over time, offering steady perspective through the many phases of leadership, from early challenges and struggle to long-term growth and scale.

Peer connections can certainly spark momentum, but mentorship helps sustain it.

For many leaders, both within nonprofits and in other fields, both types of relationships are essential. Each offers something unique and valuable.

I am deeply grateful for the support systems that allow me to grow. It is clear that mentorship and coaching, whether through trusted individuals, formal programs, or professional guidance, play an important role in fostering strength and long-term success.

The challenges nonprofit leaders are navigating today are complex and often isolating. They require more than technical training or professional development workshops. They require ongoing mentorship, thoughtful coaching, and opportunities for reflection and guidance that extend beyond the immediate crisis.

Perhaps it is time for philanthropy to more fully consider how mentorship and coaching fit into the broader vision for strong, sustainable organizations. Investing in leaders is not separate from investing in programs; it is central to building organizations that can sustain their impact for years to come.

Note: If you are a nonprofit leader seeking a mentor, mentorship opportunities could be available through your local AFP Chapter, Chamber of Commerce, affinity groups or even through your own board of directors. You could also reach out to a leader you admire and ask them to mentor you.