When news cycles are chaotic or the stock market goes on a roller coaster, nonprofit leaders – both staff and volunteers – often pause their fundraising efforts. When another part of the country experiences a major catastrophe like a hurricane or fire, they wonder if their message will still be heard. When an election is imminent, their first inclination can be to wait and see.
Your mission can’t wait.
The needs you address don’t go away when the headlines change. If anything, the needs increase.
Struggling families still need help putting food on the table. Seniors who are lonely still need human connection. The unhoused still need support and stability. People are counting on you to help.
As a nonprofit staff or volunteer leader, this is your time to meet the moment. You must lead through challenging headwinds. What does that look like?
Communicating and telling your story. In dynamic environments, your team will value consistent direction and a leader that becomes a storyteller of the future, answering questions such as where are we going and what matters now.
Staying close with your closest supporters. Remind them of the good you’re doing. Share the impact you’re making. Let them know the urgent needs you’re addressing. Show them how they can make a positive difference in the world through their support of your mission.
Not assuming your donors won’t give. Economic changes can have an impact on donor behavior, but what has a greater impact? Not asking in the first place. Invite people to continue to support your work. Let them enjoy the satisfaction that comes from supporting causes close to their heart.
Keeping your mission and vision in focus. The work you do is bigger than an economic downturn or a change in administration. While you may need to adjust some strategic plan targets, your strategic direction is unlikely to change. Keep to your vision, but be flexible in how (and how fast) you get there.
Tightening your financial processes. Make sure the resources available to you are being put to their highest and best use. This can mean renegotiating loans or banking relationships, analyzing real estate costs, or securing an outside assessment of your financial practices. This doesn’t mean to stop spending money, just to spend it as wisely as possible.
Encouraging your board and staff leadership. While the changing economic and political landscape may leave some people on your team feeling uncertain, it is your job to keep them focused and grounded in your mission. Bring them to see your mission in action or bring the mission to them in stories, videos and messages from those you’ve helped. It’s OK to be cautious, but it’s not OK to give up or lose hope.
For more than 20 years, we’ve worked with nonprofits of all sizes and types across the country. From the financial downturn of 2008 to the Covid pandemic of the early 2020s, here’s what we know: the organizations that keep moving and stay connected during the tough times are able to accelerate forward when conditions change. Those that stop take months or even years to get momentum back.
DBD Group is here to help you and your leadership team meet the moment. Please reach out to your consultant or contact us if we can be of help.
We are proud to walk beside you as you do this important work.