Free support from KEA Canada: A reminder that we are committed to supporting the nonprofit sector. If you are struggling and need some advice, a strategic thinking partner to speak with, or simply an ear, we have set aside time for free support. Please sign up on our dedicated calendar system here.
These are challenging times. Whether you are battling on the front lines, or seeing your work decline or disappear, we all have extra stress and responsibilities. Please know that you’re not alone. It’s normal to find it more difficult to concentrate. It’s normal to be worried and scared. It’s normal to grieve the world that changed so suddenly such a short time ago.
If there is comfort to be had here, it’s that you’re among friends who are going through exactly the same thing.
We ask that you not only be kind to others, but to yourself. Schedule that after work virtual cocktail. Take a moment to celebrate a small victory (which could in all honesty be taking a shower and putting pants on or mastering Zoom). Do yoga or a movement that feels good for your body. Watch a goofy Youtube video so that you laugh for just a few minutes.
And most importantly, get rid of the self-judgement and the “shoulds” in your head. There is no roadmap. Please know we will get through this together.
Help is Available
There are several positive things to note:
Charities are able to access government funding to pay for up to 75% of a worker’s salary (please check the government website for details). This may enable you to hire back those who have been laid off, and keep staff employed during this time of declining revenue.
The charitable sector — particularly foundations — are coordinating with other local groups to create new flexible funds that can support charities’ needs during this time, including operations.
We have begun a national discussion highlighting the philanthropic sector’s positive impact on Canada’s economy and society.
There are new developments every day and we know that things will continue to evolve for you and for your work throughout the coming weeks and months.
We can help. We’ve provided some advice and resources below. Of course, we are always here to support you and your goals. Whether you are a donor looking for the best way to help during this crisis or beyond; a leader looking for planning support, development expertise, grant-writing, funding research, or interim support, we can help.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Resources
Whether you are looking for the latest news of the pandemic and resources to support you, or looking for articles, webinars and tools, we suggest the following sources:
Imagine Canada — Leading the charge to influence government support for charities. Many resources to copy through this time, trends, tools. For example, Imagine Canada has just put out a list of fundraising resources that is excellent.
Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) — Strong leadership in the nonprofit sector. Education resources, monitoring current situation.
Community Foundations Canada — Excellent resources as we navigate during this crisis.
Government of Canada — Latest news around the pandemic, the most recent news around emergency funding and support through this crisis.
CPA Canada — Excellent advice related to operations and business.
Maximizing this time: silver linings
The world is upside down. So, how can we make use of this situation? Whether you are looking for ways to keep current or returning staff engaged, or how to advance your fund development goals, below are some ideas to consider:
Build relationships! Reach out to friends, partners, supporters, suppliers. Update them, thank them, as how they are doing. Keep in touch. It’s important in so many ways.
Call your donors. Let them know what it's like right now at your organization and the challenge you face. Listen to their issues
Focus on the busy work that you will get to “some day.” It’s here!
Clean out your emails
Unsubscribe to those email lists that clog your inbox
Clean out your paper files
Review your database/contacts to ensure they are up-to-date
Anticipate needs once we emerge from the crisis
Although it’s hard to see it, we will emerge. What will we need when we emerge? What are possible scenarios that we will face on the other side, and how can we prepare?
Plan: we never seem to have the time we would like to plan properly. Whether that is anticipating your needs post-crisis and preparing, fleshing out your fundraising strategy, researching potential grant opportunities, developing an activity plan for the next year, developing new systems or programs - perhaps this time of isolation could be a gift for moving these forward.
Improving your performance: there is no shortage of tools, books, webinars, articles and webinars to access. Take this time for professional development. Learn. Journal. Think. Plan.