What To Do When There's Not Much To Do
With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping many offices closed and in-person events restricted, some nonprofits have found themselves with time during the workday that otherwise would have been filled with searching out venues, coordinating catering, signing up volunteers, and more. Trying to look too far ahead to plan events that are postponed or pushing fundraising strategies that are just not viable can waste time. Instead of trying to do what would normally be daily work at a nonprofit, consider doing the tasks that are often swept under the rug and put off such as reviewing and cleaning up donor data, conducting a wealth screening, reviewing policies and procedures, or reexamining data security measures. These are all projects that will have your nonprofit running highly efficiently when normal times return.
Diligently perusing donor data can be time-consuming and often considered nonessential work, especially if your nonprofit organization has not experienced lulls in fundraising. If event planning and commonplace nonprofit projects are on hold for the time being, cleaning up donor data, performing a wealth screening, and conducting donor research are all projects that can help your organization waste less time in the future. It is also one less task that must be done in the future when other work returns. Additionally, cleaner data sets can help new volunteers or staff more readily adjust to your nonprofit’s specific donor geography. This is all useful information that places your organization’s best foot forward when it is time to return to in-person fundraising and the office gets overwhelmed with work.
As many nonprofits are unable to operate in typical ways, some staff may have extra time on their hands. Use this time to have staff review policies and procedures. Conduct a review of how you record and store data. You might find that your process is outdated or inefficient. Evaluate your office structure to examine where it can be more efficient and effective. Consider how work is delegated, if job descriptions are correct, if two departments could work together and communicate better, or any other sticking points in your office’s system of operation. Examining all aspects of operation can help streamline your business resulting in less wasted time, less wasted resources, and a greater impact with each donor dollar received.
Once implemented, many nonprofits leave their data security in place and regard it as safe without considering a reevaluation of its effectiveness. In early February of 2020, the technology provider Blackbaud suffered a data breach. The company, which provides digital fundraising and data storage software for many nonprofits, fell victim to a ransomware attack in February, and data was siphoned from their network until May of the same year. For close to four months, thieves, disguising their criminal activities as customer activity stole client’s stores of data. This breach affected many prominent nonprofits including George W. Bush Presidential Center, Vermont Public Radio, the Rhode Island School of Design, Human Rights Watch, and many more. In the 21st century, theft looks different, and for most people, digital theft is undetectable. While your organization may not use this specific service, it shows that even large companies are vulnerable to data breaches. It is paramount to protect the data of donors who put their trust in your organization and donate their hard-earned money.
The spring, summer, and soon fall of 2020 are unprecedented times as the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed or canceled most aspects of daily life as we knew it. Unable to operate normally or in typical spaces, nonprofit organizations must adapt in order to remain focused on their mission and continue growing their capacity to serve their communities. To accomplish this, organizations must remain flexible, adaptable, and willing to try new things, such as cleaning up your organization’s policies, structure, data, and security systems. Always improving is key for organizations looking to continue their mission for years to come.
Drawing on experience working with nonprofits, small businesses, and public-private partnerships in over twenty countries on four continents, the NMBL team brings a diverse skillset prepared to lead nonprofits through unprecedented times. Reach out to the experienced NMBL Strategies team at info@nmblstrategies.com to learn more about how we can help your organization succeed.