How Nonprofits Can Build Resilience
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the nonprofit sector, resilience building has emerged as a crucial trend to watch in FY 2025. Equipping nonprofits with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the face of adversity is essential. Here are three ways to build resilience and examples of Illinois nonprofits leading the way.
1. Adaptive Leadership
Adaptive leadership is a practical leadership framework that helps individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in challenging environments. It involves being flexible, responsive to change, and able to pivot quickly in response to external pressures, whether they be economic, social, or environmental. For example, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has implemented adaptive leadership practices to address the fluctuating demands for food assistance, ensuring they can meet community needs even during crises.
2. Financial Sustainability
Building financial resilience is essential for nonprofits to weather economic downturns and funding uncertainties. Organizations are diversifying their revenue streams and creating robust financial plans. Heartland Alliance, which serves vulnerable populations by providing housing, healthcare, jobs, and justice, has implemented a diversified funding model that includes government grants, private donations, and revenue from social enterprises. One notable social enterprise is Sweet Beginnings, which produces and sells honey and honey-infused skincare products. This initiative not only generates income but also provides transitional job opportunities for individuals with significant barriers to employment. This multifaceted approach has enabled Heartland Alliance to maintain financial sustainability while also creating significant mission impact, effectively balancing business strategies with their core mission.
3. Community Engagement
Engaging with the community not only builds trust but also creates a support network that can be crucial during challenging times. Nonprofits are fostering deeper connections with their communities to build resilience from the ground up. The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has excelled in this area by actively involving community members in their advocacy efforts, ensuring they have a strong, united front in their mission.
Building a Resilient Future
Resilience building is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessary strategy for nonprofits striving to sustain their impact in an unpredictable world. Nonprofit leaders must expand both their capacity and comfort with uncertainty, embracing change as part of their journey. Building resiliency requires stepping beyond the familiar and fostering a mindset that turns unpredictability into opportunity. By cultivating agility and adaptability, leaders ensure their organizations remain responsive and proactive in meeting the needs of their communities.
At Mission + Strategy, we are dedicated to helping nonprofits develop the resilience they need to thrive. Resilience strategies should be an integrated part of an organization’s strategy and planning, not just in response to crises but as an ongoing practice. By focusing on adaptive leadership, financial sustainability, and community engagement, organizations can build a solid foundation for the future.
Moreover, the power of collaboration and partnerships cannot be overstated. Partnerships can support financial sustainability by pooling resources and expertise, and enhance community engagement by bringing together diverse stakeholders. By weaving this element throughout our strategies, we can ensure a more resilient and connected nonprofit sector.
Together, we are stronger.
If you’re interested in resilience planning or need support in balancing your mission and business strategies, we’re here to help.
Mission + Strategy is an invested thought partner to your nonprofit organization. Through our Strategic Advising, Mergers & Partnerships, and Shared Back Office service solutions, we help nonprofits achieve alignment between their mission and business strategies.
