Our nonprofit organization operates without government funding and relies entirely on donations, donated materials, and volunteer efforts to keep costs as low as possible. While I expected fundraising and volunteer coordination to be challenging, I did not anticipate how difficult it would be to find qualified general contractors and skilled tradespeople willing to work within the financial realities of a community-based charitable project.

Over time, I have observed what appears to be a significant gap within the construction marketplace. At one end are contractors who dedicate their skills to projects serving low-income or disadvantaged communities, often supported by government grants, tax credits, or large nonprofit initiatives that provide stable funding and predictable project volumes. At the other end are contractors who focus on commercial developments and high-end residential projects, where larger budgets and higher profit margins justify the costs of skilled labor, overhead, and specialized materials.Middle-income community projects, however, often fall between these two markets. They typically lack public subsidies while also lacking the financial margins of luxury construction. As a result, many contractors view these projects as financially unattractive. Some decline to bid altogether, while others submit low bids to secure contracts and later attempt to increase profitability through costly change orders or unnecessary upgrades.

In project management, this practice is commonly referred to as “gold plating.” Gold plating occurs when a contractor adds features, functions, or enhancements that exceed the agreed-upon scope of work without being requested by the client. Although such additions may occasionally be presented as improvements, they frequently increase project costs, complicate schedules, and place unnecessary strain on limited budgets. For nonprofit organizations funded solely through charitable donations, these unexpected costs can jeopardize an entire project.Our organization experienced this challenge firsthand. We attempted to work with licensed independent contractors by seeking either reduced labor costs or pro bono assistance while purchasing materials ourselves. Unfortunately, two contractors pursued more elaborate and expensive approaches after contracts were signed, resulting in proposals that exceeded both the agreed scope and our financial capacity. Those experiences reinforced the importance of carefully managing project scope and selecting partners who understand the unique financial constraints of nonprofit organizations.

We also explored partnerships with vocational schools, trade unions, and volunteer groups in hopes of building community support. Despite these efforts, we were unable to secure the level of skilled labor assistance the project required. Consequently, our primary strategy has become seeking donations of building materials, financial contributions, and volunteer support from individuals and businesses who believe in improving animal welfare and recognize the long-term value of a new animal shelter serving both the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities. Construction economics helps explain why this gap exists. Contractors must cover substantial overhead costs, insurance, equipment, skilled labor, and fluctuating material prices. Large government, institutional, and corporate projects offer the scale and predictable cash flow needed to support those expenses. Affordable housing developments often remain viable because grants, tax incentives, or public funding reduce financial risk. Community projects like ours, however, occupy a difficult middle ground where budgets are modest, funding is uncertain, and profit opportunities are limited.

Despite these obstacles, our commitment has never wavered. My grandson and I continue working together to correct past mistakes, improve our planning, and move this project forward one step at a time. Every donated dollar, every donated material, and every volunteer brings us closer to making this animal shelter a reality. We remain determined to create a lasting resource for abandoned and neglected animals and for the community that cares about them.Kenneth Sanders.

New Shelter Update. Despite encountering additional delays due to contractor scheduling conflicts and overbooking, substantial progress is underway. Ken and my grandson are diligently working to rectify the framing issues caused by the contractor’s subpar work. Key tasks to get the project back on track include addressing the slower-than-expected HVAC installation, plumbing, and electrical work. Ken and my grandson are currently installing drywall on walls and will proceed to the ceiling next.

Animal Aid Humane Society recently experienced an instance involving a pair of general contractors who practiced gold plating, a phenomenon common in project management where contractors and general contractors alike add unsolicited features or enhancements beyond the project’s defined scope, ultimately falling short of ideal standards and adversely affecting budgets, particularly for donation-reliant organizations such as Animal Aid. One wanted exclusive rights for future projects and wanted a change of order giving him exclusive rights. We termination our relationship with him.

The problem is intensified by contractors with unskilled workers and general contractors who submit low bids, resulting in expensive overruns. The construction industry’s prioritization of volume over other factors contributes to this gap, making mid-range projects less profitable for contractors without higher pricing. Our non-profit organization, operating solely on donations and volunteer work, encounters significant difficulties in finding contractors with skilled workers.

The industry’s division based on profitability further complicates the issue, with many contractors focusing on corporate contracts. As a volunteer, I took on the shelter project to address this issue, but encountered unexpected hurdles. Although I can only caution against certain general contractors, finding skilled labor requires creative solutions. The practice of contractor gold plating can negatively impact our budget. Despite limited assistance from partnerships, Animal Aid is dedicated to securing donations and advancing the project. My grandson and I are committed to completing this project, and we are making progress. We are looking for skilled honest individuals willing to help us finish this project. Sincerely, Ken

I want to donate funds to help finish building this No Kill Animal Shelter.

My Donation

I will help fund this new shelter

PayPal Giving Fund

My PayPal

Donation