Larry Neal writes: “When I volunteered to serve as ALA treasurer, I knew it was going to be one of the greatest challenges of my career. Only a few months in, it has already exceeded my expectations. ALA’s financial picture is not a pretty one. And it’s a similar picture currently seen at many other associations and nonprofit organizations. Fiscal year 2025, which ended in August, saw a deficit of $15.4 million. If this sounds like a financial crisis, it is. If it sounds like significant change is needed, it’s long overdue. If it sounds hopeless, it isn’t.”