5 Strategies to Move Your Nonprofit Forward
Nonprofits can take immediate action
When an unexpected event like the current pandemic threatens your organization, it can seem like your only option is to go into hibernation. But you would be better off to take this opportunity to strengthen your team and organization for the future. When the coronavirus health threat ends – and it will – your organization will be positioned to move forward in the best possible way.
Here are five strategies for a positive ending.
Concentrate on What CAN Be Accomplished
During hardships, it’s human nature to obsess over what cannot be done: travel, events, face-to-face relationship building. But many things can be accomplished during this time of shut down that will advance your organization and help you feel productive:
Updating your website and other critical communications;
Organizing and purging your files, utilizing a solid records retention procedure;
Cleaning up ignored constituent lists, databases, and spreadsheets;
Ensuring your corporate filings are current; and
Creating a “restart plan” for once this crisis is over.
Work Remotely with Ease
Tighten your virtual communications processes and be sure you are positioned to work seamlessly. Your nonprofit may need to invest in new technology in order to adequately support team members who are telecommuting. Everyone needs to have access to the same information, tools, and capabilities that they would have if they were in the office. It’s also critical to implement proper systems to maintain data security.
The More Than Giving Co. has always existed as a virtual company and, with our Nonprofit Virtual Assistants (NPVAs), we can do even more to support nonprofits remotely. If you need help, we can make that transition a smooth one.
Find Ways to Productively Support Your Community
Keep your team and your audiences engaged by focusing your communications on positive and actionable resources. For example, if you are a professional organization, arrange a virtual meeting so your members can discuss business challenges and strategies to address them. You can also write or curate resources specific to your community and what matters to them. Whatever you choose to do, your goal is to enable your community and stakeholders to keep moving forward under these unique circumstances.
Hone Your Skills
A menu of learning opportunities is currently available online, including ones for nonprofits. Your team members can use this time to expand expertise in areas such as virtual communication skills, managing data, fundraising tips, and more. Your staff can also take the time to better educate their volunteers who, while professionals in their own right, likely have a varied skill set when it comes to their roles with your nonprofit. Supporting their development can be motivational and increase their excitement to get back to work once things return to normal.
Plan Ahead
This too shall pass, and when it does, you’ll want to be ready. Revisit your strategic plan and reorder or revise your implementation plan for the next 3, 6 and even 12-months. Make sure you have a “restart plan” so that once things loosen up, you’re positioned to move efficiently and effectively.
And be sure to create or refine your crisis plan. It might include things like who takes charge of public communication; how to direct calls or questions to key staff; how to prioritize the tasks at hand; and how decisions will be made in the short-term.
Most of all, realize that we are all in this together. The impact of the coronavirus means we are all revisiting goals and adjusting plans quickly while trying to make decisions that still serve the greater good.
Let us help you find the resources you need. Contact us here or schedule a call to share.