Nonprofit Steps for Responding to the COVID Crisis
It has been three months since all 50 states cited their first case of COVID-19. Within three months cities have gone from complete shutdown, remote work becoming a norm, to slow reopening, and then moving back to shutting down again. 2020 promises to be a continuous roller coaster.
Yet, when it comes to the workforce, you will not find a better-suited sector for adaptability than the nonprofit world. While programs and grant funding pivot to address the growing concerns of society (social injustice, equity, and healthcare being the major three), what steps should be taken to secure nonprofit sustainability during tumultuous economic times?
People and Culture
When it comes to surviving the storm, the gut reaction of most nonprofits is to cut program staff by 5-10%. This is a quick fix solution that can be detrimental to not only morale but also strategic planning. Instead, move towards lower impact such as hiring and promotion freezes, pay decreases among higher-level staff, voluntary furloughs, or early retirement plans.
Some nonprofits have needed to hire even more staff during this COVID crisis, especially nonprofits in the healthcare sector and youth education and care. Now more than ever human capital is a high asset. Human Resources should adjust the onboarding process of new hires during this disconnected time. Do you have a specific telework system in place? A preferred application for video conferencing and does the team have the necessary technology to sustain communication? Make sure that handbooks are updated to reflect at home policies and expectations, as well as health-specific requirements like wearing masks, washing hands, and taking temperatures if your staff is working directly with people.
A training to specifically convey handbook changes is also necessary to give context to employees while allowing for feedback on the new order of work.
Crisis Communications
A huge component for each nonprofit is their approach to COVID crisis communication. This is not only in regards to donor communication and advocacy but also how you communicate internally with your team. Develop and prepare your communication strategy for 2020 and early 2021 and decide on what your resiliency narrative is going to be. Your communication should demonstrate resiliency, thought leadership, and community awareness. Another good idea is to connect with Los Angeles area nonprofits to partner your communication approach and build adjacent allies. Appoint a lead in crisis communications that will be the voice addressing new issues as they arise. Finally, your communication team needs to make a list of key stakeholders you will continue to keep informed on your movements throughout the year.
Internally, be sure to emphasize empathy and connection among your staff. Let them know that their work is valued. Have a little grace when zoom calls fail, or emails are behind. Everyone is adjusting and the time to practice active listening is now.
Funding
All of the above are pointless if your funding lapses. The first steps are to develop a resiliency plan you can share with your board and key stakeholders, followed by research into government small business loans through the CARES Act. Foundations and donors will be readjusting their yearly giving so ask your large donors if they are willing to prepay their pledges. See if the board is willing to grow their reach into new donor areas. Check over your list of vendors. Is there a way you can combine resources? When it comes to grant writing this year, we are likely to see a shift in funding requirements and allocation. Have your development team start research on what this could mean for your strategic plan.
With every social innovator and nonprofit, the above needs to be catered to your specific niche and team. This post is to provide an accessible jumping-off point into what nonprofits are doing to secure up their future. At Mockingbird Analytics we work in all aspects of strategic planning, evaluation, and grant writing. We specialize in Los Angeles area nonprofits and are here to help unlock revenue for social innovators.
If you are interested in finding out more about our consulting services and how we can deep dive into strategizing your communication, funding, and thought leadership, contact us here.
