Nonprofit leaders and boards work in an increasingly uncertain environment. Federal and state funding is being cut dramatically while community needs are increasing. Staff are stretched thin, and leaders are looking for ways to invest in a sustainable future. External chaos is the new normal for most nonprofits.
The moment calls for a focus on engaging our creative community potential to address external chaos. This helps us move through the chaos together without feeling stuck in it. As nonprofit leaders, we need to engage our flexibility, resilience, and creative community solutions to control the controllables.
Recently, I’ve had the privilege of working with many amazing organizations who are taking proactive steps to strengthen their future in these uncertain times.
One organization is looking at a lost federal grant as a spark for reimagining its fundraising strategy by creating a compelling case statement that tells the story of their impact. They’re engaging a committed group of volunteers to serve as community ambassadors to build a stronger, more sustainable source of support.
Another is sticking to their message of community support for marginalized groups, asking deep questions of hundreds of stakeholders – staff, clients, families, partners, volunteers, and donors—to build a responsive and thoughtful plan centered on the experiences of the people they serve.
Another is preparing for future growth by listening carefully to clients, volunteers, and community partners before making major decisions about investment in their long-term facilities.
What do these organizations have in common? They’re all engaging in creative community solutions to manage the chaos all around them.
Although every organization is different, the questions they’re asking are similar:
- How can we increase our financial sustainability?
- How can we engage our board more effectively?
- How do we tell our story so people better understand our impact?
- How do we make thoughtful decisions during times of uncertainty?
- How can we engage our staff and board in creative ways to move our mission forward?
These are conversations I love.
What Mission Forward’s Clients Say
“Thanks to Jeff’s strategic approach, we now have a clear roadmap for growth, stronger community engagement, and sustainable funding strategies.”
Sandy Morales
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County
“What was incredibly helpful to me as an executive director was the tracking tool that Jeff provided, along with guidance for monitoring the progress of our goals and activities.”
Jason Beloungy
Access to Independence
Mission Forward helps nonprofit organizations build sustainable structures that strengthen leadership, engage stakeholders, and increase community impact. From facilitating a board retreat to developing fundraising strategies to helping leadership teams navigate important decisions, my goal is always the same: moving organizations to solid, informed action that has a significant impact.
If your organization is wrestling with questions like these, I’d love to learn more about your work.
Please give a call or send a message to find a time to talk about your goals, challenges, and how I might help.
Jeff Burkhart
Founder, Mission Forward
608-669-4447