“What!?, you say. Of course, it’s a huge challenge to all of us and in specific ways. Most importantly this time has become a reminder for all that it is people – relationships that are the “gold standard” for living. We mourn the loss of 50,000= lives, we do what we can to support medical professionals and first responder – and support each other as well as those in desperate needs.
At an everyday work level, restaurants are closed, events are being cancelled, revenue projections are being revised, some individuals and small businesses – for profit or nonprofit – are having to operate on much less and many are having to live on less. It’s a strange time and no one really knows the path forward. All this is true. But…there is hope and opportunity in the midst of it all.
Here are some measures you can take right now, for your organization, yourself and your team: staff, Board members, other volunteers and for donors. Measures that will help position you to regain your footing – and even be stronger – as the Coronavirus challenge recedes and we move into the “new normal” of doing business.
Remember who you are: You have a vision and a mission which is solid and no less important today than we you began. Take this time to have videoconference meetings during which you can reaffirm together your need to continue your mission fulfillment. This is more than a pep talk; it’s a means of pushing aside fear and uncertainty – and begin planning to move forward.
Use adversity in your favor: I once had a 4-year old golden retriever which an angry neighbor picked up and threw against a concrete wall. One of his back legs was amputated. But within three weeks the remaining leg had moved to the middle and he was running in the greenbelt! That’s pretty graphic – The important message: Nick (the dog) didn’t let a lost leg control his life. We can also push fear aside, and discover those new approaches for staying strong.
Be recklessly creative with your fundraising: Remember you have the same value proposition you did before this crisis and people still to invest in it. Event cancelled, then what? A friend and nonprofit executive created a black tie “non-event” It was marketed just as if was a live event. The “non event” generated nearly $100,000. People still wanted to “give”. We just need to show them the way. Consider holding a brainstorming session with some of your stakeholders and identify 2-3 fundraising that are doable and make sense in the current environment.