4 key words to help you navigate a crisis in your nonprofit

Anyone involved in leading or managing a charity or nonprofit dreads having to deal with a crisis under their watch. Despite adequate planning, we understand that even the best-prepared organisations can face unexpected crises. Whatever the focus of the crisis – funding, financial mismanagement, governance, safeguarding or reputational – here are 4 key words to help you keep a cool head at a stressful time.

 

1. Anticipation

The best way to manage a crisis is to prevent one occurring in the first place. This is what your organisation’s risk management and oversight practices are in place for: to identify potential risks at all levels of your organisation and putting in place effective mitigation or management structures, policies and practices.

2. Leadership

Crisis management involves quick decision-making and action. Consider establishing a small team of leaders to develop and implement a crisis management plan. Make sure that their remit, responsibilities and reporting relationship to your Board is clear from the outset.

 

3. Communication

Key to your management of any crisis – and maintaining or re-building trust – will be how you communicate and engage your stakeholders. Develop a stakeholder map and communications plan that covers all your key relationships, particularly employees, volunteers, supporters and funders.

 

4. Accountability

The best way to resolve any crisis is to ensure that there is appropriate action. It’s not advisable to shy away from acknowledging and investigating the incident, how and why it happened and its impact – and demonstrate accountability by identifying the clear steps that will be taken to redress its impact and prevent it from occurring again.

 

By prioritising anticipation, leadership, communication, and accountability, you will be in a better position to navigate any crisis that may arise. Remember, a well-prepared organisation is less likely to be caught off guard.

Get in touch

If you require additional support with your crisis management, 2into3 is experienced at supporting organisations to prevent anticipated crises and manage actual crises. Our governance and strategy services can help you to identify and mitigate organisational risks. Or, if the worst should happen, we can support you to effectively navigate through a crisis. In the last year, we have worked with six charities of different sizes to handle a range of funding, financial mismanagement, governance and reputational crises.

For more information, visit our webpage or contact our Director of Advisory Services, Sheena Horgan at sheena.horgan@2into3.com.