On Thursday, May 6, we welcomed our community to a virtual Member Meet-Up to discuss what nonprofits need right now, and how we can help.
See below for member Deborah Flood’s recap… in case you missed it.
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Over 30 of us gathered on May 6th for a virtual Nonprofit Specialists Member Meet-Up to discuss nonprofits’ needs and the implications for our services in the short- and long-term. We work with many types of nonprofits, so we bring a breadth of perspectives. What emerged for me was the group’s deep appreciation of nonprofits’ basic survival needs, as well as the opportunities to help as we move into the recovery phase.
What We Are Seeing
Adapting & Innovating: Some organizations are innovating because that’s in their DNA or they simply had to adapt to survive. They may be offering new services to meet new needs, shifting programing online, and creatively partnering to get the job done. Ways we are helping:
- Modifying programming to meet increasing demand, serve existing audiences, and capture new audiences online
- Holding space to reflect, adapt strategic plans for the shorter term and position for the longer term
- Forging new, creative alliances to further mission
- Deepening connections and communication with impacted communities
Meeting Basic Survival Needs: Many organizations are struggling to survive. Those on the frontlines are challenged to meet soaring demand with fewer resources, while others are struggling to operate virtually. Fundraising is that much harder. Ways we are helping:
- Pivoting spring fundraising events to virtual settings
- Adapting development plans to respond to challenges and capitalize on new opportunities
- Developing thoughtful scenario plans in partnership with development, finance and program
- Engaging the board on fundraising, financial stabilization, and strategic guidance
Managing Teams: In this climate, many staff are overwhelmed or struggling with competing demands. Managers are challenged with leading remotely, as many are burning out on Zoom and tiring of virtual interactions. Ways we are helping:
- Coaching leaders in managing teams remotely and responding to staff overwhelm
- Building team cohesion around shared purpose
- Pivoting change management efforts to respond to today’s challenges
ABOUT DEBORAH FLOOD
I am the Founder + Principal of Purpose Advisors, a consortium of transformative strategists with a passion for social change. We help a broad range of nonprofits and foundations align around shared purpose, set goals, make plans, and strengthen management and governance. I joined the Association of Nonprofit Specialists to connect with colleagues and continually learn. My connections with clients, colleagues, friends and family have been sustaining me in the current moment, so I hope you will be in touch! Please email me at deborah@purposeadvisors, if you’d like to connect.
