Funding Crisis: From Survive to Thrive

The Context

Due to the sensitive nature of our work with this client, this impact story is anonymous.

Our client was facing a severe funding crisis that threatened their ability to continue operations. Their primary funder informed them that they would lose a significant portion of their funding—so much so, that they were on the brink of closure. They attempted to initiate a fundraising appeal, but given the shortfall of a large six-figure fund, it was not a viable solution.

At the time, their funding model was unsustainable, as funding was allocated per service user rather than for core operational costs. This left no financial support for critical service areas. Additionally, there were other internal challenges, lack of resources which exacerbated the crisis. The client reached out to their funder multiple times but received no commitment. With just one month until their scheduled closure, they needed urgent intervention.

Crisis Management Impact Story 2into3 Dennis O'Connor
Crisis Management Impact Story 2into3 Dennis O'Connor
Crisis Management Impact Story 2into3

The Action

Recognising the urgency, our CEO, Dennis O’Connor, reached out to this organisation and provided crisis management guidance to help them navigate the situation.

The approach included:

  • Board Engagement & Political Strategy – The Board understood the challenges and moved forward to take decisive action and garner political support. Letters were sent to key government ministers, and initial responses from the clients’ funder were firm in their decision not to provide further funding.
  • Public & Stakeholder Engagement – To escalate the issue, we advised our client to make their concerns public, increasing pressure on their funder to reconsider their decision.
  • Messaging & Communication Strategy – Working closely with leadership, we helped refine their communication, ensuring clarity and impact when engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.
  • Government Advocacy & Negotiation – We assisted our clients in developing a strategic presentation to government officials and attended the meeting in-person, highlighting the critical need for sustainable funding. External advocacy support played a key role in ensuring the issue was taken seriously.
  • Network Building & Mentorship – The client had not yet built a strong network within the sector, so we introduced them to key stakeholders, including other nonprofit CEOs, to create a support network, ensuring our client felt supported during an isolating time. This enabled our client to engage directly with CEOs who had navigated similar challenges, boosting their confidence in the actions they were pursuing.

Client Feedback:

🗣 “Dennis (CEO, 2into3) was instrumental in this entire process. He met with the Board and spoke to them in a fair, direct, yet gentle and respectful manner. He provided advice on government departments and engaged our team in a 3-day process, advising our best approach. This external consultation enabled us to progress from key challenges to a mutual understanding and plan of action.

I didn’t have a network at the time, so Dennis also introduced me to other CEOs for advice – I no longer felt isolated amidst our crisis. What sets 2into3 apart, and particularly when working with Dennis, is that he understands politics, he understands the service and he truly understands us.” – CEO, Crisis Management Client.

The Result

Our client went from imminent closure to reengaging as a funded, functioning organisation. The pressure created through public and political advocacy led to a funding agreement that provided stable funding, enabling them to continue operations. After the crisis, our team continued to work with our client to complete an Organisational Review.

“Fiona Barry (Senior Consultant – Advisory, 2into3) was excellent to work with, she really immersed herself into the entire process. She truly understands charities, the service offering and their service users.” – CEO, Crisis Management Client

 

Beyond financial stability, this crisis catalysed a deeper organisational transformation:

✔ Supported the Board to have greater understanding of what was needed to support the organisation.
✔ Conducted an organisational review which helped restructure priorities and long-term planning.
✔ Leadership was strengthened through mentorship and external guidance.
✔ The client is now halfway through developing their new strategy and focusing on their long-term vision.

“Our organisation has been completely re-engaged – we were facing a definite closure and are now working on our Strategic Plan. If your organisation is amidst a crisis, I couldn’t recommend working with 2into3 more.” – CEO, Crisis Management Client.

Crisis Management Impact Story 2into3 Fiona Barry
Crisis Management Impact Story 2into3 Eilis OBoyle Theo Dillon

Get in Touch

If your organisation is facing a crisis and needs confidential support to ensure stability and long-term survival, visit here or contact dennis@2into3.com.

Dublin

2into3

Huckletree in The Academy,

42 Pearse St,

Dublin 2,

D02 YX88.

Ph: 01 574 0022

Belfast

2into3

Ormeau Baths,

18 Ormeau Ave,

Belfast

BT2 8HS

Ph: 01 574 0022

Cork

2into3

Republic of Work

12 South Mall

Cork

T12 RD43

Ph: 01 574 0022

Galway

2into3

Portershed

Eyre Square

Galway

H91 HY51

Ph: 01 574 0022

Newry

2into3

The Hub

6 Margaret St

Newry

BT34 1DF

Ph: 01 574 0022

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