Horizons Fall/Winter 2020

Innovative & Creative Ways to Deliver Programming & Still Achieve Goals Not-for-profit organizations understand that community need has only increased and in order to meet this growing need, thinking outside of the box in regard to program strategy and execution has been required. This trend is unlikely to change in the near future. Some of these already implemented innovative solutions have yielded not only short-term benefits in addressing growing and changing community needs, but have also been able to potentially expand the geographic reach of the organization’s programs or create new collaborations/ partnerships with other entities. This spirit of innovation needs to continue into the future, not just as a continued necessary response, but as an opportunity for higher mission impact. Unique Opportunities to Cultivate Donors Circumstances preventing many not- for-profit organizations from holding their traditional in-person special events or meeting donors in person are also unlikely to change in the near future. As community need continues to grow, fundraising is going to remain of critical importance. Competition for these fundraising dollars, particularly during challenging economic times such as we are experiencing now under the global pandemic, is also going to increase. Organizations have already responded with imaginative fundraising alternatives such as virtual galas, runs/walks and peer-to- peer fundraising campaigns. These creative replacements have the opportunity to expand an organization’s donor base and reach new audiences as well as potentially yield a higher net income from the activity. However, to remain competitive, additional creative alternatives will be required. An increased emphasis on donor connection and engagement as well as connection with the organization’s mission will be necessary to succeed in this competitive environment.

This spirit of innovation needs to continue into the future, not just as a continued necessary response, but as an opportunity for higher mission impact.

Emphasis on Financial Budgeting & Planning

Understanding a not-for-profit organization’s financial position and the plan for the future has never been more important than during a challenging time. For many organizations, calendar year 2020 has been a roller-coaster from a financial perspective – volatility in financial market conditions, new sources of governmental funding with Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP loans) and CARES Act grant funding, and overarching generosity from the community have provided some bright spots for many organizations. However, when looking towards the end of the year and beyond into 2021, the forecast is not as sunny. Without any additional government support on the horizon and more uncertain overall economic conditions expected, planning for an organization’s financial future is going to be of increased importance. Not-for-profit organizations need to critically and strategically analyze both their existing operations and programs and their programmatic and financial impact. The “tough decisions” that may have been temporarily postponed need to be addressed head-on as not-for-profit organizations look at a longer runway towards complete economic recovery.

Resilience & Flexibility of Talent With talent generally an organization’s most valuable but also most costly resource,

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