With the beginning of a new year, we’ve found ourselves ruminating on transformations within the nonprofit sector that were provoked or accelerated by the onset of the pandemic. Everyone constantly talks about the “new normal.” But it’s not just workplace locations and cleanliness standards that will remain forever changed. 

Organizations have the unique opportunity to walk into this “new normal” with a refocused version of themselves.

First was our pre-COVID life. And then came forced change. Organizations had to adapt and adapt quickly. Work locations, event planning, sanitation practices—philanthropic entities were resilient and innovative in their expedient adoption of alternative strategies.

While initiatives were disrupted and certain plans were put on-hold, this phase, this pandemic, also brought incredible opportunities for innovation and humanity. Digital solutions that were once just an option on the horizon have now accelerated into daily work life. Hiring and communication practices that were once only ideals finally became common practice. And communities across the globe came together in unparalleled humanity to care for their neighbors when they needed it most.

Whether organizations realize it or not, we’ve changed. Not just as a sector, but as a society. We had our lives before, and then we have who we are now. When walking into the post-COVID “new normal,” nonprofit organizations can have the tools and awareness to emerge revitalized. 

While individuals have developed resilience, they have also had the much needed time for reflection. However, this isn’t necessarily true for nonprofits who are constantly forced to acclimate. They’ve been forced to become agile and nimble to survive. They understand that it is crucial for organizations to take that time to stop. And reflect. If we are to eventually arise from the post-pandemic world successfully, we need to create a strategy that combines the best of both the pre-COVID and “new normal” worlds.

What’s worked during this pandemic? What hasn’t? What do you miss? And the better question: why?

For example, at MagnifyGood where we work remotely, we set up a daily morning meeting. Not only do we like this because it’s a concentrated meeting with a predefined agenda, it gives us the opportunity to really talk to each other uninterrupted. It acts as an anchor. Daily organization and accountability keeps us aware and focused on the tasks at hand.

In a digital world, there is no physical location employees can go to mingle. It’s proven that people work better together once they’ve established a level of trust, and that trust is developed over time and is highly formed through small, in-person interactions. Set morning meetings are our anchor where our Google Meets connect us on a daily basis like they would getting coffee in the morning. Having a constant in such a chaotic world creates a sense of security.

Moving into the “new normal,” we’ve realized we want to carry over morning meetings, even if they’re shifted into a hybrid model.

There are plenty of other lessons we’ve learned from this pandemic that we’d consider when moving forward. But what about your organization? What will you pack in your post-pandemic suitcase? 

Increased marketing automation? Expanded geographical landscape for donors? Zoom meetings instead of in-person ones?

Consider this list of questions to help your nonprofit reflect on this past year and develop ideas to pack-up and bring with you going forward:

• What has 2020 asked your organization to face that you have been avoiding until now?
• How have you demonstrated resilience?
• How is your organization shifting operational priorities?
• What have you managed to do without?
• What has this struggle (yours and others) taught you?
• How have you communicated with your donors/funders/volunteers?
• What specific discomfort has been the greatest ally in helping your nonprofit learn and grow?
• How has your approach to philanthropy shifted?
• How has the use of technology evolved in your organization? 
• How have your employee, donor, volunteer, and board relationships evolved?
• How have your organization’s values changed?
• What is your nonprofit’s defining moment of 2020?

Transforming Your Nonprofit’s Story

We’ve all been in our own cocoon of revelation and transformation this year. Each and every one of us has a story to tell — of rebirth and redesign, of struggle and survival, of letting go and leaving the past behind. Tell us, what was your story this year?

As a social sector communications agency, MagnifyGood specializes in elevating the marketing, PR, branding, advertising, and social media of nonprofits, foundations, and other mission-driven organizations. Looking to enhance your donor engagement, create compelling impact stories, establish a brand that aligns with your mission, or explore innovative strategies to connect with your community? Contact us here. Let’s magnify good together.