When things might seem hopeless for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we all know that we will come back stronger as an industry, as a nation, and as a people of hope. What can you be doing now to take the necessary steps to sustain and grow your business during these unprecedented times? Here are some ways your nonprofit or business can respond to COVID-19 right now.
It’s time for your organization to face COVID-19 head on.
Communication is Key
Nonprofit –– The loyalty of donors to the causes they love and support hasn’t changed. Their need and desire to give remains, and nonprofits still have a need to receive in order to fulfill their mission. Don’t halt your donor acquisition efforts. Digital channels like social media and email provide fast-moving options to keep donors informed. With in-person events being canceled, it is critical to increase your online touchpoints to help ease your organization’s COVID-19 related financial pressures.
Business Solutions –– It is critical that you communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations. What protective measures have you implemented? How will customers stay protected when they visit your business? Promotions may help incentivize customers who might be reluctant to frequent your business during such a fragile time.
Show Staff You Care
Nonprofit –– Now more than ever, is the time to show staff that you care. Make sure they know how much you appreciate them during this challenging time. For volunteers that continue to help, thank them, and keep thanking them. They are choosing to risk their health for your cause. Remember that your staff will be feeling extra pressure to pick up the slack wherever it may appear. Show your love and appreciation for everyone who helps to keep your nonprofit above water.
Business Solutions –– The spread of coronavirus is unsettling for many of your employees. Express to your employees that their health, safety, and well-being during this pandemic period is paramount. Thank them for their continued understanding, focus, and commitment during these unprecedented times.
Do Your Research
Resources are out there for you and your organization. Whether your organization needs help financially, or your team needs help mentally, take advantage of the endless assets that are available to your nonprofit or business. Here are some links to helpful and reliable resources to help your nonprofit or business respond to COVID-19.
Nonprofit ––
- State Public Policy Resources on COVID-19 – National Council of Nonprofits’ page for nonprofit-specific materials from state officials and useful resources on what states are doing in response to COVID-19.
- Loan Options for Nonprofits- chart from National Council of Nonprofits providing details on loan options, eligibility criteria, terms, and application information.
- Eight Steps for Managing through Tough Times– Bridgespan’s “Eight Steps for Managing Through Tough Times” details specific steps for weathering uncertainty, including planning contingencies and protecting your core operations.
Business Solutions ––
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans – The Small Business Administration is offering direct Economic Injury Disaster Loans for up to $2 million with interest rates ranging from 2.75% to 3.75% depending on the nature of the organization. The funds can be used to pay debts, payroll, payables and other operating costs for your business.
- $800M+ million to support small businesses and crisis response – To help address some of these challenges, Google announced a new $800+ million commitment to support small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), health organizations and governments, and health workers on the frontline of this global pandemic.
- Workplace Mental Health – COVID-19 is presenting new and unique challenges. We are navigating uncharted waters with this virus, making it important to find new ways to work and interact while also taking care of our mental health and well-being.
How can Ascend NBS help?
Know that you and your organization are not in this alone. At Ascend Nonprofit and Business Solutions, we specialize in capacity building and grant writing. We’ve spent the past two decades working with 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and businesses to win millions of dollars in grant funding for their organizations. We can support your organization’s growth through grant research, grant writing, grant evaluation, grant training, technical assistance, and strategic planning.
We are effective in helping nonprofits and businesses grow because we focus on getting to know your organization from the inside out. Your dedicated Ascend NBS team takes the time to learn all about your goals, challenges, infrastructure, processes, and current funding in order to develop recommendations that will leverage your organization’s ability to build capacity.
We free up your time, energy and resources so you can focus on providing your core services to those who need you.
If your organization needs help pursuing emergency grants, capacity building, or grant writing assistance, contact us at [email protected] or at 210-610-2440. Visit us at ascendnbs.com to learn more.