Faced with the continued reality of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our leadership and lives are being challenged more than ever before. We are hearing about the harrowing challenges you are facing as nonprofit leaders, having to make difficult decisions and adjusting your business models to deliver on your missions with reductions in funder support, low volunteer turn out, illness, employee livelihood, and the increased needs of the people you serve. We are also witnessing incredible leadership - as nonprofit leaders you are pivoting with increased solutions, as funders you are changing funding practices to increase support in progressive ways, and so many alternative service delivery models are being put in place.

 

We at CEN are deeply moved by the courage, ingenuity, and commitment we are observing in our sector and communities. This is who we are collectively; we don't run away from crisis, but rather towards it in order to provide support. I want to thank you for what you are doing to keep the vital work going and for your relentless commitment to the people you serve and organizations you support. At CEN we are so proud to be part of this mighty sector that provides resources for our communities and fights to give voices to those that are not always represented.

 

In an effort to support our cherished sector, our team has researched and collected resources (below) that will help as you navigate through these rough waters. We will continue to provide regular updates and encourage you to reach out with any materials, strategies, and articles that have helped you. Additionally, we are working to get some of our offerings online this April and will be looking at ways to make all of CEN's services increasingly accessible (for example, through reduced prices, deferring membership dues, etc.). Finally, a reminder that we are also here to consult as you grapple with decisions and new questions about how to make decisions in this evolving climate.

 

Our sector has a long and deep history of bravery and commitment and never has there been a clearer example than what is currently happening. Please remember to take time to care for yourselves (whenever possible) as well as your leaders: if you are a board member, stay in close contact with your ED/CEO; if you are an ED/CEO, communicate frequently with your team; and, if you are a funder, consider switching your support to general operating and increasing funds to ensure that the organization's you care about have the resources they need during this difficult time. It's our relationships and commitment to mission that will get us through this.