We are in an era of political uncertainty. It is paramount that our nonprofits are able to be the Rock of Gibraltar: we have to assure the people we serve that we have the capacity and infrastructure to endure. Nonprofits have always endured and stepped up during challenging times, be they political, weather-related, or economic. Now is the time to take stock – evaluate your organization’s strengths and challenges. Discern which areas of work your nonprofit will continue; which you might want to temporarily let go of; where needs may increase, or new needs may emerge. Look at your budget. Talk with your funders, donors, and stakeholders. You can endure and deliver on your mission and vision. But don’t plan on doing it alone – reach out and dig deep.
You want to be rock solid, and you want others to know that you can continue to serve. Gather the full breadth of your leadership and survey what may lie ahead. Ask each other: are you up for what the future may hold, good or bad? It is time for board members to fully commit. If any have hesitations, listen, and talk it out. All stakeholders need to share their insights. As you assess your capacity, stay focused on what you do best. Stay “conservative” in your goals and visions – think carefully before embarking on areas of growth you may not be able to sustain. There will be a future. For now, we recommend focusing on your “core competency” and “what our community needs us to do now.”
Increase communications and outreach activities – especially those directed towards donors, board members, and other volunteer leaders. People need to know what you do and why you do what you do. Demonstrate that people can depend on your organization. One way of doing this is to seek out partners and collaborators, to work together to ensure needs are met. Another way is to reach out to your donors and funders – not only to ask them to give – but to invite them to become active in your work. Step up your volunteer recruitment and orientation efforts. If you believe your organization will need to strengthen its capacity in this area, the Tennessee Nonprofit Network offers an online, at-your-own-pace, capacity building experience: Volunteer Program Design Lab.
Reach out to your stakeholders to see if your organization or institution is headed in the right direction. Ask if there are things your nonprofit should adjust or take on. Importantly, it would be wise to become more politically astute – to gain an understanding of the political environment you are operating in both locally and nationally so that you can best anticipate changes – those that could be beneficial and those that could be harmful to your organization and those you serve and/or advocate on behalf of. Finally, keep your morale high – stay committed, stay focused, and get ready: you are needed now more than ever. God bless America.
