130 Nonprofit Staff and Board Members Explore Proactive Strategies for the New Nonprofit Reality

Although experts point to small signs of recovery, it is expected to be a long, slow journey back to broad economic good health. The current recession has shaped a new reality for nonprofits, businesses, and households alike. Everyone must rethink their traditional ways of operating.

On October 13th, a group of 130 nonprofit staff and board members met in Duluth to explore ways to respond to decreasing funding and increasing demand. Charting a Course II: Moving Forward in the New Nonprofit Reality featured a stellar agenda of presenters offering pragmatic yet positive messages.

Joan Cleary, vice president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, program sponsor, spoke about the power of resilience. She also invited attendees to utilize resources available through the new Resilient Organizations Fund.

Keynote speaker Peter Hutchinson wowed the audience with a candid address sprinkled with humor. Hutchinson, president of the Saint Paul-based Bush Foundation, challenged nonprofit leadership to manage the difficult business of change, understanding that change means loss, and loss means grief. Individuals and organizations will experience denial, anger, negotiation, and depression before reaching acceptance.

Hutchinson asserted that most organizations are designed for resistance rather than adaptation to change. Successful leaders are ones who examine and focus their "organizational DNA" to be open and accountable and who are zeroed in on meeting their mission more than on maintaining the status quo.

Social entrepreneur and international business consultant Kathy Keeley, principal of The Keeley Group, followed with "New Economy, New Rules, New Tools: Taking Action Now".

Keeley has started, managed, merged, consulted with, and coached myriad nonprofits over the past 25 years. Her core message on the 13th was this: The world as we know it has shifted, and new times demand new solutions. Standing still is not a viable long-term option.

An in-depth presentation covered a great deal of ground. Must-haves in the new economy, said Keeley, are 1) leadership, 2) strong infrastructure with early warning signs (data and financial systems), 3) engaged board of directors, 4) brand message, 5) transparency, and 6) scenario budgets.

Rounding out the program was an up close and personal look at how the economy has affected three area nonprofits.

Jeff Corey, executive director at Northern Communities Land Trust, shared how his organization shifted gears when the housing market faltered.

Russ Salgy spoke about the merger between Copeland Community Center and Valley Youth Center. He emphasized the importance of personal mentors and focusing on the mission to guide decision-making.

Kathleen Busche, former chair of the Women's Community Development Organization discussed the decision to close the organization and the board's commitment to transferring assets to another nonprofit with a similar mission but greater operational capacity.

Common themes throughout the day were the ability to accept and embrace change, finding opportunity in the midst of challenge, communicating transparently, and the vital importance of having a strong staff and board.

The Northland Foundation thanks the presenters, panelists, guests, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation for a successful day of learning and networking.

Related links, PowerPoints, and management tools are available for download from the Northland Foundation's Web site. Nonprofit staff and board members are welcome to access these free resources as they move forward in the new reality.