It is no secret that Minnesota’s nonprofit organizations are facing tough times. Many funders and donors are cutting back; earned revenue is down; yet the programs and services nonprofits offer are as important as ever - if not more so.

"It will take creativity, innovation and focus to weather this period," acknowledges Kate Barr, CLT Executive Director. She recommends that organizations:

1. Start by gathering and analyzing information to better understand their situation;
2. Take the time to connect to their mission and assess the impact of their work;
3. Prioritize core activities and services; and
4. Make choices;

It is critical that leaders understand their situation and use that information to act and make the difficult decisions that need to be made, Barr notes. Once the board of directors and staff have set priorities and identified resources available, Barr says, they need to develop specific strategies for implementation. These strategies may include: 

• Doing the same work with less
• Doing the same work with new funding
• Doing less of the work
• Doing the work differently
• Doing different work

To help organizations prepare for and respond to these challenges, CLT has several resources available:

Managing and Adapting in a Time of Uncertainty, part of the MNAF Finacial Foundations series, this brief publication provides a solid framework to help nonprofit managers and board members determine appropriate steps to take.

 

Practical advice and assistance are available free of charge to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota.to assist at any stage of the process.