Looking back at 2011.... How have you changed?

Reading "The Nonprofit Research Collaborative" from September 2011 the following quote forecast the need to adapt to a "new reality":

“While the survey numbers may seem okay at first, the reality is that giving levels were

much higher in 2007 before the recession. With many economists predicting a flat

economy for several more years, charities face a very challenging environment in the

near future, with fewer funds available while the demand for services and programs

remains quite high. This is the new reality charities will have to address.”

Andrew Watt, FInstF

President and CEO

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

To deal effectively with this "new reality" charitable organizations must re-examine and make improvements aimed at greater results by; 

• Improving communication
• Refining skills in fundraising
• Improving program deliver and organizational effectiveness across the board

A self re-examination and assessment takes an investment. The investment can take a variety of forms including optimizing time (staff & volunteer), sharpening skills and acquiring new ones (again, staff & volunteers), and at times seeking outside advice. 

Some investments require only time others require time and money. Both of which are in short supply in most nonprofits. Take advantage of "free" whenever you can. That means this is a good place to visit! It also means join your local AFP chapter or any other organization where you can learn from your peers at little or no cost.

From what I have observed many have not yet taken that "self re-examination and assessment" or have made few significant changes in there procedures in the last 2 years. 

If your organization has re-examined / re-assessed what important changes have you made?

• Make a comment below and share what changes you have made.
• If you have not, share why you have not.

I'm interested to know.

The Empty Handed Giving blog is dedicated to sharing ideas that work. You can get good ideas here by visiting, reading, and implementing. If you don't understand something simply ask here - remember conversations are always free.