How Nonprofits Leaders Should Respond to COVID-19
How Should Your Nonprofit Respond to Coronavirus?
If you’re a nonprofit leader, I'm sure you're all asking yourself, what changes should my nonprofit be making due to Coronavirus?
Maybe you're even telling yourself you have the magic solution so your nonprofit can continue operating status quo during these uncertain times. I hate to break it to you....
Uncertainty and daily changes - we're in it for the long haul!
This pandemic is affecting the operations of your nonprofit, and you don’t know on a larger scale how much it will impact you or how long. That’s scary! We are in uncertain times, and this is not a problem that can be easily fixed.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH…
I'm not a medical professional, but here are the leadership mindset shifts you need to be adapting to ensure your nonprofit is operating to best help your community, achieve your mission, and do your part as a social service organization!
We are in uncertain times. This is not a situation that can be easily "fixed" or avoided. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! These moments - right now - are you being tested as a leader!
6 MINDSET CONSIDERATIONS FOR NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP DEALING WITH THE IMPACTS OF COVID - 19
1. DON'T APPROACH YOUR ORGANIZATION'S OPERATIONS AS BUSINESS AS USUAL! IT'S NOT!
The last thing you want to do is do what you’ve always done just because that is how you’ve always done it. By maintaining normal operations, you’re putting the people served by your nonprofit at risk. You don’t want to risk making your community feel like you don’t care for their well-being.
2. NOW MORE THAN EVER IT'S IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO ACHIEVE YOUR MISSION!
This is where taking a breath is really useful. Things are crazy! Take a moment to reflect on how your nonprofit can remain mission-focused and mission-driven.
Plan ahead! Fight the urge to be reactive, and embrace the uncertainty ahead. Your mission should drive all of your future actions in light of the Coronavirus, which will help you best serve your community. If your nonprofit doesn’t serve first responders and other parts of the community in need right now, then explore ways to partner and assist other nonprofits in a way that serves your overall mission.
3. STAY ABREAST OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AT YOUR LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LEVELS.
As a nonprofit leader, you are making decisions that impact other people. Now is not the time to hide from important updates. It is your responsibility to stay up to date with public health and safety updates and requirements for operation. Find the information relevant to your area, and check back regularly.
Take steps to ensure that you, your board of directors, your staff, and your patrons understand what is happening and how it can impact them.
4. HAVE A BACKUP PLAN TO YOUR BACKUP PLAN TO YOUR BACKUP PLAN.
Life is changing daily as the entire world scrambles to address this pandemic. We have no idea how long this can last, so now more than ever…have a backup plan.
Map out the possibilities in an Action Plan! Know what your next steps are in EVERY scenario as this plays out in your area and in our nation. This way you won’t be reactive and always feel like you’re running to catch your breath. Plans aren’t engraved in stone (as Coronavirus has probably already taught you), so be prepared to pivot! But being prepared limits the stress on you are your board of directors.
5. REMEMBER YOUR RAINY DAY FUND - IF YOU HAVE ONE.
Guess what - a global pandemic qualifies as a Rainy Day! If you have funds that you have put aside for a disaster, now is the time to calculate the best use of your Rainy Day fund.
If you don’t have a Rainy Day fund and you are going to have to close your doors due to the Coronavirus, then two things need to be on your radar.
Once we get through this, prioritize creating a Rainy Day fund to help you in situations like these.
Ask for help! Talk to your mission-based donors who care about the community. They may not be as impacted by the Coronavirus and can help your nonprofit stay open and continue serving.
6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH!
We’re in this for the long haul. As an executive director, you need to continue to make good, informed decisions. So, really…take a breath. You need to prioritize your mental health because no one else will.
REACH OUT TO YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK!
You’re not alone in navigating this storm! Schedule a call on Google Hangouts to just check in and talk about what’s going on. There’s no pressure to plan and be productive. The priority is YOU and your mental health.
Now is the time is where leadership is most valuable and important. People want to see a plan and a thoughtful approach. Now is your opportunity to test your ability to make thoughtful and strategic plans and decisions!
But, also feel free to forgive yourself and also reward yourself for each day you "make it through the day without a panic attack or breakdown"!
Together, we will do better tomorrow!