How Nonprofit Leaders Can Maintain Team Focus In The Midst Of Change

Forbes

11-07-2025

Just like their counterparts in other industries, nonprofit leaders must be agile and adaptable in an era of constant change. Whether it's new grant requirements, updated privacy laws or refinements to the organization's mission, board members, employees and volunteers all need timely, accurate information to make good decisions and operate effectively.
The members of Forbes Nonprofit Council have experience guiding their broader teams through changes and instilling adaptability within their organizations. Below, they share specific ways nonprofit leaders can ensure their board and staff stay up to date on changing regulations, compliance policies and mission objectives.
1. Embrace A Culture Of Accountability
Keeping everyone aligned starts with shared responsibility and clear systems. As part of your nonprofit's commitment to excellence, set the expectation that board members, staff and volunteers stay current. You can support this requirement through regular, accessible updates and practical resources. High-performing organizations embrace a culture of accountability that underpins their success. - Karen Cochran, Philanthropy Innovators
2. Regularly Communicate Changes, News And Events
Share communications on a weekly, biweekly or monthly schedule, and include news on issues of necessity for your internal community. A weekly emailed 'bulletin' that includes policy changes, staff news, a calendar of events and upcoming meetings, highlights from the previous week, and operational updates will keep the team, including leadership, well-informed and engaged. - Victoria Burkhart, The More Than Giving Company
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3. Frame Updates Within The Broader Mission Narrative
We keep board members, staff and volunteers informed by framing updates within the broader mission narrative rather than listing rules. We offer context, invite dialogue and explain the 'why' behind changes. When people see the purpose behind a shift, they are more likely to embrace it with clarity and direction. - Gregory Johnson, Foundation for the Mid South
4. Ensure Strategic Alignment Is Part Of Every Meeting
Make reviews and strategic alignment a part of your regular meetings. Let different departments and people present on topics and changes so everyone feels valuable and contributes to the ongoing success of the organization. Senior leaders should give ownership to the people and let them take the lead on sharing while adding input as needed. - Jamee Rodgers, Urban Neighborhood Initiative
5. Implement Quarterly Cross-Functional Briefings
One effective way to ensure alignment across the board, employees and volunteers is by institutionalizing quarterly cross-functional briefings that combine regulatory updates with strategic reflections on mission execution. At Dubai Opera, we bring together key stakeholders in a structured yet inclusive format where all leads share updates, unpack implications and open the space for discussion. - Paolo Petrocelli, Dubai Opera
6. Appoint Internal Ambassadors
Appoint internal ambassadors to share updates using microlearning tools, such as short videos or quick reference guides. This peer-led approach builds trust and makes complex information more accessible and trackable. When updates come from familiar voices in engaging formats, people are more likely to absorb and apply them. It's efficient and relatable while reinforcing a culture of compliance. - Alan Thomas, Association for Materials Protection & Performance
7. Set Up A Weekly News Email
Our weekly 'Friday Five' email highlights the top five updates staff, volunteers and board members need to know. When paired with listservs and webinars, this keeps everyone aligned on internal shifts and external policy changes, ensuring no one is left behind in a fast-moving healthcare landscape. - Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC
8. Ensure Updates Are Regular And Easily Digestible
Make learning a rhythm, not a reaction. One strategy that works is holding a short monthly mission and mandate briefing. Take five minutes to share one shift in policy, one story of impact and one clear next step to keep everyone aligned without overload. Staying informed shouldn't be an isolated event, but a habit. Clarity is about connecting the dots in easily digestible ways. - Cherian Koshy, Kindsight
9. Offer Professional Learning Opportunities
Every organization should offer professional learning opportunities for the staff and the board. Bring in experts to discuss how changes affect operations, and inquire how staff behaviors must change—and do it all as a team. This isn't just about 'who needs to know'; it's about ensuring the entire team is knowledgeable and invested in changes and the future direction. - Patrick Riccards, Driving Force Institute
10. Implement An Active Risk Assessment Plan
One of the best ways to stay current on changing regulations and compliance is to have an active risk assessment plan that addresses concerns. This plan can be used with both the board of directors and the management team to ensure a review of potential risks is conducted regularly. It should also spark a robust discussion that keeps these challenges in mind and prepares the organization to manage change proactively. - Tom Ulbrich, Goodwill Industries of Western New York, Inc.
11. Develop A Compliance And Mission-Alignment Calendar
Build a compliance and mission-alignment calendar for clients. We help our nonprofit partners stay informed through quarterly briefings, monthly updates and annual training. Embedding this cadence ensures they stay ahead of policy shifts, reinforce best practices and keep their teams aligned and mission-driven. - Michael Bellavia, HelpGood
12. Create A Dashboard Or One-Pagers
To ensure that vital information is shared and updated, create a dashboard or 'quick action' one-pager that can be reviewed monthly or quarterly. Assign a specific person to be responsible for updating their group's portion with any new regulations, policies or objectives. - Kimberly Lewis, Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc.
13. Hold Internal Briefings For Major Events
We hold internal briefings after major grants, program launches or policy updates, as this keeps our board, staff and volunteers aligned with changing regulations, compliance and mission goals. This ensures we stay accountable, protect our integrity and meet funder and community expectations. - Nyene Baker, Visionary Philanthropy Group Inc.
14. Build A Professional Network
Build a professional network to tap into insights, best practices and what is happening in your community, discipline and state. Professional organizations like the Center For Nonprofit Management, Association of Fundraising Professionals and others are great connection tools that can provide insights and programming to help you stay up to date on policy changes. - Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation
15. Craft A Statement To Share Internally And Publicly When There's a Major Change
If you do not have major changes to your delivery of services, your annual plan should suffice. If you do have major internal or external changes to service delivery, craft a statement for internal and external use, and ensure all media outlets receive it to share. Ensure your stakeholders hear it from you directly, as this alleviates any confusion or trepidation. - Erin Davison, Davison Consulting