Friday, March 27, 2009

Today's Nonprofit Wonder - Tough Times are Tough

Well, could the current economy hit the nonprofit communities any harder? The resources out there were bleak enough before...now the competition for those resources is even tougher. What's a nonprofit to do?

First off, your board needs to take a long hard look at what is going on - internally and externally. Are the programs and services you offer effective, efficient and necessary? Sometimes we hold on to our "faves" - those activities that, at one time, held a special place in the collective heart of the board members, staff and constituents. Over time, though, we may outgrow these activities and our community and consumers may not even need them anymore. A thorough evaluation of all program offerings may yield a few overpriced offerings that don't really need to be offered anymore.

Second, put on the front burner all those plans to get organized about fundraising. Now is the time - don't wait. Never had any luck with writing for a grant? Take a class. Not sure what an Annual Campaign is? Go get a book, google, talk to others in the field. Join your local chapter of the Society for Fundraising Executives. Find out who in private industry has a special affinity for your mission. Practice being your extrovert self in the mirror - then get out there, shake some hands, introduce yourself, your organization, your story. And ask for a contribution. Again. And again. And again.

Third. Make sure your staff feels the love. Times are tough. Give them a place where peace prevails and optimism shines through. Keep your people - you need them more than they need you.