Some things that I have observed that are pretty important when working with volunteers and donors to charities:

1. People really want to help and people want to be generous.
2. People who come to volunteer will do just about anything but stand around. You can give them grueling task, odious tasks or even mindless tasks, but if you give them no tasks, you will never see them again.
3. Accountability and transparency are key to getting people to donate serious amounts of money.
4. Keep track of donations and always send a thank you note. When possible, tell them what you do with their money. Gratitude and accountability really go along way.

Ideal Executive Team for a charity that serves the poor (aka a mission).  The positions do not necessarily need to be occupied by seperate individuals.

• An executive director.  This person is the central coordinator of all of the operations and provides the cohesive direction to the mission.  This person will likely be responsible for fund raising and grant writing with other members of the team as well.
• A community liason.  This person works with other charitable organization throughout the community as well as identifying and coordingating other resources throught the community (aka businesses).  A key aspect is to work the the many churches in the community to provide an outlet for their charitable efforts.
• A volunteer coordinator.  This person is responsible for coordinating people to volunteer for the many operations functions within the organization.  This person is responsible for recruiting stable long term volunteers as well as for finding activities for short term and impromptu volunteers.  Also this persons job involves maintaining communication ties with all of the volunteers
• Fund raiser/grant writer.  This position involves raising substantial amounts of money through donations as well a grants from the governement and private foundations.  One of the key functions is to also be able to cover the cost of the executive team's salaries through grants, so that it is possible to say to small donors that all of their donations go the the operation of the mission.
• Accountant/Auditor.  This person's job is to keep detailed track of where all of the money goes that provides the necessary accountabilty and transparency in the finances required to get grants as well as solicit large donations.
•