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Riding the Rollercoaster: Adapting and Thriving in Times of Uncertainty

Remember that collective gasp? It was like a scene from a movie – the dramatic pause, the whispered anxieties, the frantic scrambling. Then, just as quickly, the music changed, the crisis averted (for now), and we all breathed a sigh of relief. I'm talking, of course, about the recent government funding scare. It was a wild ride, wasn't it? A stark reminder of just how quickly things can change in the nonprofit world. But honestly, even without this particular event, uncertainty is pretty much your middle name. Nonprofits

Rollercoaster

are constantly navigating fluctuating economies, shifting political landscapes, evolving donor priorities, and the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve. It's like being on a rollercoaster designed by a committee of slightly caffeinated squirrels. So, how do you not just survive, but thrive in this environment? It's about building resilience, embracing adaptability, and focusing on what truly matters: your mission, vision, and values.


Uncertainty, as we all know, comes in many delightful (not!) forms. It might be a sudden change in government policy, like the recent funding scare (or the next funding scare, because, let's be real). It could be an economic downturn that makes individual giving look like a distant memory. It might be a shift in community needs, requiring you to do a program pivot that would make an Olympic gymnast jealous. Or it could be something entirely unexpected, like, say, a global pandemic. (Remember that?) The truth is, uncertainty is a constant, not an anomaly. It's the background music to our work. And while it's perfectly natural to feel anxious during these times it's crucial to remember that it's also an opportunity. An opportunity to strengthen your organization, refine your strategies, and ultimately, become even more effective in serving your communities. Think of it as a forced growth spurt, like when you're a teenager and your limbs grow at unpredictable rates. Uncomfortable, but it ultimately makes you stronger.


One of the most important lessons we can learn is the power of diversification. Relying on a single funding source is like betting your entire paycheck on a horse with three legs and a blindfold. If that source dries up, you're in trouble. That's why diversifying your funding streams is absolutely essential. Think beyond government grants. 


  • Cultivate individual donors – they're out there, and they care about your mission.

  • Explore corporate sponsorships – find companies whose values align with yours.

  • Investigate foundation grants – there are foundations for just about everything these days. 

  • Consider earned income strategies – selling products or services related to your mission can be a great way to generate revenue (and get your name out there). 

  • Build a robust membership program – it fosters a sense of community and provides a predictable revenue stream. 


A Checklist for Nonprofits

The more diverse your funding, the more resilient you'll be to funding shocks. It's like having a financial superhero squad protecting your organization.


But diversification is just the first step. We also need to be agile and adaptable, while keeping an eye on your organization’s core values to avoid mission creep. This requires tenacity (one of CSR’s core values) – the determination to keep moving forward even when things get tough.  It also requires versatility (another one of our values)– the ability to pivot quickly, to adjust our plans in response to changing circumstances, is crucial. This requires scenario planning.  What if funding is cut by 20%? What if demand for our services doubles? What if a swarm of locusts descends upon our office? (Okay, maybe not that last one. But who knows these days!) Develop contingency plans for different potential outcomes. Regularly review your strategic plan and budget (Don’t have one? Contact us!). Don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed. And above all, communicate clearly and transparently – both internally with your staff and board, and externally with your donors and the community. Keep everyone in the loop. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential in uncertain times.


Think back to the 2008 economic downturn. Many nonprofits that relied heavily on government funding, their endowment, or major individual gifts were severely impacted. Those that had diversified their funding streams, cultivated strong relationships with a broader base of donors, and were able to adapt their programs to meet changing community needs were the ones that weathered the storm. They demonstrated resilience.

Then, fast forward to the recent pandemic. Again, we saw a massive disruption to the nonprofit sector. Funding priorities shifted, in-person fundraising events were cancelled, and many organizations struggled to deliver their services. But those that had already invested in digital fundraising strategies, built strong online communities, and were able to quickly pivot to virtual service delivery were able to not only survive but, in some cases, even thrive. They were prepared to be resilient.


In times of uncertainty, strong relationships become even more valuable. Nurture your relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders. These are the people who will support you through thick and thin. Regular communication is key. Keep your stakeholders informed about your work and your challenges. This requires openness (yet another CSR value) – a willingness to share information honestly and transparently. Offer meaningful engagement opportunities. Invite them to participate in events, volunteer activities, or feedback sessions. And always demonstrate the impact of your work. Show them how their support is making a difference. Data is your friend here. Quantify your impact whenever possible.


Finally, remember that your team is your most valuable resource. Uncertainty can be stressful for staff. It's important to acknowledge their concerns and provide support. This is where caring comes in (CSR’s fourth value). Creating a supportive work environment where staff feel valued and empowered is essential.  Invest in staff development and training, particularly in areas like fundraising, communication, and adaptability. Open communication is essential. Encourage staff to share their ideas and concerns. A happy team is a productive team, and a productive team is essential for navigating uncertainty.

Navigating uncertainty is never easy, but it's not impossible. By diversifying our funding, embracing agility, building strong relationships, and investing in our teams, we can not only survive, but thrive. Remember, nonprofits play a vital role in our communities. You provide essential services, advocate for those in need, and create positive change. And that work is more important than ever, regardless of the circumstances. So, let's buckle up, embrace the rollercoaster, and keep our eyes on the prize: our mission, vision, and values.




What strategies do you use to navigate uncertainty? Share your tips in the comments below!


About the Author


Patrick Larkin is a seasoned Nonprofit Consultant with over 25 years of leadership experience across various institutions. With a foundation in public horticulture and museum management, he has served on the board of the American Public Gardens Association and as a Peer Reviewer for the American Alliance of Museums. Patrick honed his skills in fundraising, board development, and strategic planning, continually focusing on aligning organizational missions with public needs.

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