In February, 25 of Kaua‘i’s nonprofits attended a session arranged by the Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance to talk about managing in tough times. Nonprofits on our island provide a huge range of services — health, mental health, education, youth
In February, 25 of Kaua‘i’s nonprofits attended a session arranged by the Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance to talk about managing in tough times.
Nonprofits on our island provide a huge range of services — health, mental health, education, youth development, visual and performing arts, cultural perpetuation, community development, environmental protection, heritage preservation, animal rescue and sports activities, to name just a few.
Like government and many businesses, nonprofits are being faced with reduced revenue. Though it doesn’t get much media coverage, nonprofits are finding it necessary to tighten their belts dramatically to ensure their survival. Many grants and contracts are being reduced at a time when, with an 8.8 percent unemployment rate on the island, there are increased needs in the community for services. Nonprofit directors worry that the individual contributions so important to supporting their services are declining as well.
The nonprofit directors that participated in the February discussion indicated they are experiencing the economic slowdown in a number of significant ways. Out of economic necessity they are: Consolidating programs; reducing staff and switching to on-call staff; reducing salaries and benefits; limiting services and hours; and eliminating programs. Most agreed that the impacts on nonprofits will be felt even more severely in the second half of 2009 and 2010. But if there is a way to do it, they will continue to find ways to provide the help and support the community needs and deserves.
Nonprofit directors are a resilient, creative bunch — otherwise they might have chosen another field. Most understand the organizational changes they need to make, however painful, to ensure their organizations weather this economic situation. They know that those who don’t make changes may not be around next year. The directors offered a wide variety of suggestions of how they can survive, and perhaps even thrive, in the upcoming months until the economy turns around.
Their suggestions for coping aligned with a recent article by Fieldstone Alliance called “25 Random Things that Make the Nonprofit Sector Great.” In that article I heard the voices and sentiments of our nonprofit directors. Let me highlight just a few of these random things that make Kaua‘i nonprofits great.
Nonprofit leaders and staff are creative and smart. Not only do they know their market and their services, but they come up with innovative solutions to society’s problems and numerous ideas to make things work more effectively.
Nonprofits come together in tough times – and in good times. Collaboration and partnerships are the new mantras for our nonprofits.
Change is good. Rather than lamenting change, nonprofits see value in re-assessing their core mission and finding new ways to offer services.
Nonprofit organizations strive to improve their effectiveness. New tools are being developed to help nonprofits become better organizations and they take advantage of training opportunities.
Nonprofits drastically improve the lives of people. Whether it is food, housing, health care or any of a number of basic needs, nonprofits stand ready to help.
Style and sustenance are offered by our nonprofits. Aside from adding to the overall aesthetics and culture of our community, arts-related activities make a financial contribution as well.
A multitude of nonprofits foster creativity and appreciation for our histories and cultures. We see this through the wonderful performances, festivals and museum programs around the island.
Nonprofits create jobs. More than 10 percent of American workers are employed by a nonprofit.
Nonprofits motivate people to “pay it forward.”
Nonprofits are accountable. Strict state and federal rules for nonprofits require more accountability every year. Extensive reporting about their board of directors, programs and finances must be provided to the IRS to maintain their nonprofit status.
Nonprofits are visionary. A number of organizations on the island are working to support a long-term vision where the island can grow sustainably and in ways that will enhance our quality of life.
Nonprofits join business, government and community groups in contributing to the unique fabric that is Kaua‘i. In the months ahead, let them know you appreciate and support the work they do.
• Diane Zachary is president and CEO of Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance. She can be reached at dzachary@kauainetwork.org
