V5 — Issue 4 Archives - DeBoer Baumann & Company, P.L.C.

By Katie Chrisman / April 25, 2024
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Should You Put Out a Statement?

The decision to issue a public statement in response to a major news event can be daunting for nonprofit communication professionals, especially when internal disagreements run deep. With divisive issues increasingly dominating headlines and the looming specter of the 2024 presidential election, organizations must navigate these challenges with clarity and intentionality. Internal Clarity Matters …

Internal Clarity Matters

Before crafting a response, organizations must first establish clarity internally. This involves defining the organization’s stance on the issue at hand, understanding the tolerance range for differing viewpoints, and developing an advocacy strategy. These elements are interrelated but distinct, requiring careful consideration to avoid confusion and circular discussions.

Stance, Tolerance Range, and Advocacy Strategy

Every organization holds a stance on issues, whether explicit or implicit. Additionally, organizations have a tolerance range that delineates acceptable variations of opinion both internally and externally. Finally, organizations must deliberate on their advocacy strategy, determining how and when to engage with the issue at hand. Crafting a deliberate strategy ensures that responses are purposeful and aligned with organizational values.

Normalize Ideological Diversity

To foster productive dialogue amidst ideological differences, organizations must prioritize building a culture of respect and understanding. This requires intentional efforts to promote open-mindedness, empathy, and constructive discourse within the workplace. By practicing respectful engagement across diverse perspectives, organizations can navigate contentious issues with integrity and resilience.

In a landscape fraught with political tensions and societal upheaval, the ability to navigate controversy is essential for nonprofit communication professionals. By fostering internal clarity and embracing ideological diversity, organizations can effectively communicate their values while maintaining cohesion and purpose.

To learn more about how your organization can strategize over responding to polarizing world events, click here.

By Katie Chrisman / April 25, 2024
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Anti-DEI Lawsuits Threaten Nonprofits

As the landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives evolves, nonprofits and philanthropies are facing a new wave of legal challenges. These lawsuits, spearheaded by conservative activists, aim to dismantle race-conscious practices across various institutional realms. The implications are profound, posing existential questions for organizations striving to balance their missions with legal risks. …

The Shift in Legal Terrain

Following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling ending affirmative action in higher education, legal scrutiny has extended beyond academia to corporate diversity initiatives and now to the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Lawsuits targeting race-informed grantmaking processes, like those against Fearless Fund and Hidden Star, underscore a broader effort to challenge DEI measures in institutional practices and decision-making.

The Stakes for Nonprofits and Philanthropies

Legal battles are not just financially burdensome but also risk tarnishing an organization’s reputation in the media. Even organizations with strong legal footing face the dilemma of engaging in costly litigation and potentially exposing sensitive internal matters during the discovery process. As Ann O’Leary of Jenner & Block notes, many organizations grapple with the choice between standing firm on principle or capitulating to avoid legal entanglements.

Strategies for Mitigation

Amidst the uncertainty, proactive measures can help organizations navigate potential legal challenges. Conducting internal risk assessments and revisiting policies to mitigate vulnerabilities are crucial steps. Some may opt to refocus grantmaking efforts on economic disadvantage rather than race, though this shift may compromise the core mission of supporting marginalized communities. Ultimately, understanding and addressing these legal threats is imperative for the nonprofit sector’s resilience and efficacy in advancing DEI goals.

As legal battles persist and continue to evolve, nonprofits and philanthropies must remain vigilant, adapting strategies to safeguard their DEI efforts while upholding their missions of social justice and inclusion.

Click here to read more about what your organization can do to prepare for potential litigation.

By Katie Chrisman / April 25, 2024
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Ten Nonprofit Funding Models

In the nonprofit sector, discussions about money are constant, with leaders often grappling with questions about how much funding they need, where to find it, and why there isn’t more available. Especially in challenging economic climates, these concerns become even more urgent. Unfortunately, clear answers to these questions are often elusive. Nonprofit leaders tend to excel in program creation but struggle with funding their organizations effectively. Similarly, philanthropists may find it challenging to grasp the full impact and limitations of their donations.

This lack of financial clarity has significant consequences. When funding sources and nonprofits are not well-aligned, resources may not flow to areas where they could have the most significant impact. This can result in promising programs being cut, scaled back, or never launched at all. Moreover, when financial resources are scarce, organizations often find themselves in chaotic fundraising scrambles.

In contrast to the nonprofit world, the for-profit sector typically exhibits a higher degree of financial clarity, often articulated through business models. These models provide shorthand for understanding how different businesses operate and their strategies for success. Investors and executives can engage in sophisticated conversations about a company’s approach based on these models, enhancing the likelihood of success and profitability.

However, the nonprofit sector lacks similarly clear and succinct conversations about long-term funding strategies. The various types of funding available to nonprofits have never been clearly defined, leading to a lack of understanding and clear thinking.

Through research, ten nonprofit models commonly used by large nonprofits in the United States have been identified. Rather than prescribing a single approach, the goal is to help nonprofit leaders articulate their organization’s models more clearly. This understanding can then be used to assess the potential and constraints associated with each model, ultimately supporting organizational growth.

For more information on these 10 nonprofit funding models, click here to read the full article.

By Katie Chrisman / April 25, 2024
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The Cost of Going Green for Nonprofits

In today’s landscape, the shift towards eco-conscious practices is palpable across all sectors, including nonprofits. From embracing digital alternatives to reducing carbon footprints, organizations are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Yet, amidst the push for sustainability, questions arise: What are the implications for nonprofits, and how can they make this transition without …

Growing Public Concerns

As environmental consciousness permeates consumer behavior, donors are scrutinizing nonprofits’ environmental stances. The rise of the eco-friendly donor underscores the importance of sustainability in organizational ethos. Studies reveal a significant portion of donors prioritizing sustainability in their contributions, signaling a seismic shift in charitable giving trends.

Actions and Their Costs

Even for nonprofits not inherently focused on environmental causes, adopting green practices is not only feasible but imperative. Simple steps, like eliminating paper waste or transitioning to virtual platforms, can yield substantial environmental benefits while enhancing operational efficiency. However, such transitions may entail initial financial investments.

Going Green Online

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed the transition to online platforms, reshaping fundraising landscapes. Embracing digital fundraising not only ensures organizational resilience but also aligns with environmentally conscious practices. Additionally, remote work arrangements reduce carbon emissions and promote inclusivity, catering to diverse workforce needs.

Combatting Greenwashing

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, stakeholders are increasingly vigilant against greenwashing tactics. Genuine engagement with local environmental initiatives and transparent communication are essential in building credibility and trust. For nonprofits, aligning with authentic environmental causes reinforces their societal value and fosters community goodwill.

While the journey towards sustainability may pose financial challenges, nonprofits cannot afford to ignore the environmental imperative. Embracing green practices not only aligns with donor expectations but also reinforces organizational integrity. As stewards of public trust, nonprofits must navigate the green transition with diligence, recognizing its profound impact on both mission delivery and community engagement.

For more information on the cost of going green, click here to read the full article.

V5 — Issue 4

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