Sun, Aug 09, 2020 at 3:35PM

Hardy Smith, Nonprofit Consultant & Speaker

It’s time nonprofits come to grips with the present-day situation. We’re in a pandemic and there is economic stress. The circumstances nonprofits have been thrust into don’t have a clear end in sight and the challenges faced are likely to have long-lasting impact.

I write this not as a pessimist but as a pragmatic.

There are nonprofits not willing to accept the reality we’re in. Some have a mindset this is a short term crisis and business as usual will resume soon. Some are paralyzed by the uncertainty. Others appear set on continuing their same practices as if they’re oblivious to what’s happening around them.

Acknowledging the problem doesn’t mean adopting a defeatist attitude. It means recognizing this is a new time that will require new approaches to keep your mission moving forward.

Consider critical conversations with your staff and board to identify what matters most now and devote your attention to make that happen.

Rather than expending energy attempting to make where you were pre-COVID fit into where you are, focus on what’s in front of you right now. With the unknown exacerbated by rapidly changing conditions, long term planning may be defined in weeks rather than months or years.

Find ways to be creative, take advantage of available resources, pursue opportunities for collaboration, and make sure your messaging is appropriate.

The realist says we are where we are, understands where that is, and rallies their team around a positive direction that considers existing limitations.

As a nonprofit leader stay positive, keep working, and be safe.

What course of action is your nonprofit following? Share your thoughts by commenting below.


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