On election night in 2016, I was at a library conference, ready to speak on reaching Hispanic communities with authenticity and trust in the morning. As I worked on my part of the speech, the election results were coming in. It was clear that everything was about to change. That night, like many of my friends, I found myself at the bar, talking about what this would mean for our communities, the people we serve, and the work ahead.
The next morning, standing in front of the audience, I changed my talk on the fly. Everything I’d planned to share about connecting with Hispanic communities felt out of touch with the new reality. Instead, I spoke on perseverance, patience, and adaptability—navigating through a world that had shifted overnight for our communities. As it turned out, we needed those qualities, and our work looked different than we’d imagined.
Reflecting on that experience today, I see similar challenges ahead for nonprofits. The communities we serve—often those without a strong voice or political power—need us now more than ever, and our job as nonprofit leaders just got a bit harder.
One key to success is planning. I’m an advocate for planning and organization for nonprofits. Here’s my honest take on what nonprofits need to focus on in this time of uncertainty and transition.
Key Challenges and How to Prepare
The TL;DR version is this: *re-evaluate, become resilient, create partnerships, improve your story, and get involved.*
Let’s dig a little deeper.
1. Re-evaluate and Regroup
Gather with your board, staff, and volunteers. Now’s the time to openly discuss what the changing political and economic landscape might mean for your mission. Set aside time to review what your clients and community may need most in this new reality and how to be ready with meaningful answers, even partial ones. Being prepared reassures your clients and builds trust with donors and partners.
2. Hone Your Story
Now more than ever, people must understand why you do what you do. Spend time strengthening your mission, vision, and organizational voice. Share it widely—post on social media, write articles, take photos (with respect for privacy), and show the good work you’re doing. This visibility will keep you at the top of mind in your community and among potential supporters and clients.
3. Get Ahead on Funding
It’s no secret that funding may become more challenging than it feels today. Engage your donors now. Build strategies to connect with current funders and consider exploring new ones. Start conversations about the difference your organization makes and consider writing more grants—even if it takes time, it could be critical to sustaining your work. Make sure your programs deliver real value, and if certain programs aren’t yielding the results you need, it may be worth considering cuts to stay effective.
4. Strengthen Your Voice and Presence
The work isn’t getting easier, but neither is it impossible. As nonprofit leaders, we need to gather our voices and speak up. Now is the time to be seen and heard. Network, show up in new spaces, write blogs or articles about your work, meet people who influence the landscape, and reinforce connections with other nonprofits, community leaders, and government officials. Together, we’re more resilient.
5. Partner with Other Organizations
Collaboration with mission adjacent organizations can be beneficial to both parties. Delivering programs, cross promotion, and even partnering in fundraising or grant applications can help lighten the load and improve chances of success.
Take a moment to let yourself feel the weight of the uncertainty of the next few years. Have some coffee, talk with friends and family, then turn your attention to making a plan. Preparedness starts now.
Ready to Create a Strategy?
If you’re looking to sharpen your nonprofit’s resilience and build a clear, actionable path forward, let’s connect. Set an appointment with me to discuss navigating these times with a strategy that keeps your mission strong and impactful.
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