What They Said: A Round-Up of Nonprofit Resources and Readings - April 10
In case you missed it, we’ve started a semi-regular round-up of what we’re seeing, reading, and learning about how nonprofits can navigate, survive, and lead during the crisis presented by the Coronavirus. The resources out there are bountiful; time, however, is not. Our goal is to share what we’ve gleamed in hopes of saving you a few precious minutes.
We’d love to hear what’s been useful for you, what you’re finding, and resources you’re turning to so please leave a comment or drop us a line.
Stay well.
READINGS
“Experts Urge Charities to Communicate Their Needs Clearly to Their Donors.” From Maria Di Mento in the Chronicle of Philanthropy: “A crisis can be an inflection point in a donor’s relationship with a charity. Good, compassionate communication can strengthen a supporter’s bond with the organization, while failing to communicate can end the relationship.” We know you have a million things to do, but you must must must get in touch with your donors so you don’t miss this make-or-break moment.
On that note, “5 Steps the Best Boards Are Taking Right Now.” Joan Garry is a leader in this space (so follow if you’re not already) and demonstrates why with these practical, simply steps for boards to tackle. Read it, send it, share it - and inspire your board to lean in.
“Tough Times Call for Tough Action.” We shouted out to SeaChange Capital in our first round-up and are back to them again for their expertise on how decision-makers can think about managing risk, planning ahead, and their thoughts on the tough decisions boards and leaders may need to address in the current or future moments.
“Soliciting Gifts, Gracefully, As the World Falls Apart.” Al Cantor had us with this blog title, and that was before we got to his savvy advice for how to strike the right blend of authenticity, humility, and compassion.
RESOURCES
For our NH/New England neighbors - the NH Center for Nonprofits has put together some terrific resources, templates, and even one-on-one support available for organizations to access.
If your organization banks with Citizen’s Bank, you should 100% explore their new emergency funding opportunities - though note applications are due TODAY (April 10). 134 organizations will be awarded $15,000 grants! We’ll say it again, it is awesome to see businesses stepping up like this.
Access the financial support your organization needs. This chart from the National Council of Nonprofits breaks down the various options, terms, and conditions of the loan options available to nonprofits. On a personal note, we’ve explored these ourself and are happy to share what we know.
We are very excited to see how this webinar goes: Shifting Fundraising Events Online. Offered by the Chronicle of Philanthropy at the end of the month (April 30) with reduced rates for those who need it.
FROM BRIGHTSPOT
In light of the plethora of resources out there, we decided the way we could be most helpful is in rolling up our sleeves and helping you get the work done. It is in that spirit that we created four new, micro service offerings and priced them at 50% of our standard rate. We hope they are useful, accessible, and address the right needs. As always, if there is another way we can support you, please let us know. We are most certainly all in this together.