How Internal Strength Can Protect Nonprofits In Turbulent Times

Forbes

2 days ago

Leila Saad is the Founder & CEO of Catalyst Lane, which advises CEOs, founders, and mission-driven leaders navigating change.
There is a long historical tradition of looking inward in times of political or social turmoil. This goes as far back as the Stoics. The Greek philosopher Epictetus has often been attributed to saying, 'It's not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters.'
The central theory here is that no matter how much uncertainty you are facing, you have control over your reactions and decisions. It's a quietly revolutionary idea, and while at the individual level it applies to one's inner life, this ancient wisdom provides lessons for society and for institutions, including nonprofit organizations.
In today's volatile political and social climate, nonprofit leaders are often caught in a whirlwind. Policy shifts, unpredictable funding and polarized public discourse demand constant external advocacy and rapid response. It's easy to feel that all your energy must be directed outward, fighting for your mission and resources.
Yet, here's an unpopular opinion: While external engagement is vital, an overlooked but powerful strategy for impact is internal. It's about embracing the less glamorous, sometimes painstaking work of shoring up your internal operations and even strategically right-sizing. For many, this might sound like a drain on precious resources or even a step backward. But it can be life-giving for sustained resilience.
I'm not here to argue that the nonprofit sector should 'roll over and play dead,' like James Carville has provocatively urged the Democrats to do, but balancing the value of external advocacy and rapid response with serious internal review and revision can provide long-lasting benefits.
External Chaos Magnifies Operational Weaknesses
The constant pressures nonprofits face don't just exist externally; they seep in and exacerbate existing organizational weaknesses.
Consider finances. When funding streams become uncertain, a messy financial system can be a liability. A leader may be struggling to get clear, top-line reports with relevant details to inform decisions. Financial insights may be a scattered puzzle, with pieces held across an organization. If there is no clear, unified picture, it is impossible to make swift, data-driven decisions. I have heard more than one nonprofit leader say that while the trains were all running on time, it felt like it was all held together with duct tape.
This ad-hoc approach can lead to over-reactivity, too. When infrastructure is lacking, an organization is more likely to operate reactively when shifts, interruptions or challenges occur. This can create friction and inconsistency across even small, dedicated teams. It is more than an inconvenience; it can drain energy, undermine morale and ultimately limit your ability to deliver on your mission from a position of strength.
An Unglamorous But Essential Path To Resilience
How do you initiate internal infrastructural change when it feels like taking resources away from your core mission? It begins by acknowledging that this internal work, while not glamorous, is essential.
If you have not done so yet, now is the time to invest in moving fragmented financial data to a singular, clear and accessible picture. Implement systems that allow you to easily track spending, generate regular reports and gain a comprehensive understanding of your budget. This goes beyond compliance. It is about empowering leaders to make confident decisions, pivot strategically when needed and transparently engage board members and funders in necessary and tough conversations about short-term decisions and long-term sustainability.
Replace "duct tape" solutions with structured, repeatable processes. This means defining clear roles and responsibilities, streamlining workflows and adopting appropriate technology to support your work. Building a robust infrastructure can reduce operational friction, ensure consistency and ultimately free up valuable staff time to focus on your mission.
In times of uncertainty, there can be a knee-jerk reaction to either resist any cuts or to cut indiscriminately. Instead, engage in strategic right-sizing. This involves a clear-headed evaluation of where your people, programs and technology are maximizing impact. You can be ruthless about aligning your capacity with your current mission and future vision, down to the dollar and hour, but you can never be ruthless about the human or mission impact of those decisions, so make them thoughtfully and intentionally. The result will be an ability to adapt quickly to future external changes.
Investing Inward To Ensure Long-Term Impact
I don't urge inward focus to replace or retreat from the necessary outward engagement, which can feel daunting. I recommend it because it will set you up for long-term success, where both your program delivery and your external advocacy can remain sustainable and strong. Only a resilient and efficient organization can withstand external shocks, attract and retain funding and ensure mission impact.
The unsexy work of shoring up operations may not always be headline news, but it is the quiet, foundational effort that ensures your nonprofit can thrive, no matter the turbulence. Let's take inspiration from what another great Stoic, Marcus Aurelius, wrote: 'You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
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