Presidential elections and rapidly changing political environments can leave nonprofits and their leaders scrambling to navigate the sudden changes. New research suggests that nonprofit organizations in particular struggle to navigate turbulent times.
Ill-prepared nonprofit organizations face significant risks to their financial sustainability, particularly for those focused on protecting rights.
A new report from KM Strategies Group (KMSG), an advisory firm that works with clients across the corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors, gauges the nonprofit sector's readiness for the 2024 presidential election in the 2024 KMSG Nonprofit Election Preparedness Report.
The survey of nonprofit leaders from leading organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), The World Economic Forum, The Urban Institute, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Run for Something, and Girl Rising, has unearthed some concerning insights.
On the one hand, a staggering 82% of those nonprofit leaders surveyed highlighted the necessity for adjustments in communication strategies, indicating a sector acutely aware of the challenges in engaging their audience amidst political shifts. This is particularly pressing considering the possible divisive nature of the election’s outcome, which could threaten fundraising efforts for rights-based advocacy and complicate donor relations in a tough fiscal environment.
Despite this heightened awareness however, a reported 70% of nonprofit leaders expressed low to moderate confidence in their current digital and social media strategies. In an era where digital presence is paramount including for fundraising, this lack of confidence underscores a critical gap that must be addressed to ensure effective donor engagement and advocacy.
The survey revealed a significant concern over staff burnout and retention, with 41% of organizations foreseeing issues in this area under a future Trump administration which may polarize the media cycle even further. This highlights the need for a focus on organizational culture and balance, ensuring that nonprofit workforces feel supported while remaining engaged and motivated.
Funding stability emerges as another critical concern, with more than a third of respondents indicating moderate to high apprehension about donor engagement and potential shifts in funding sources. In anticipation of these challenges, the report recommends a proactive approach to fundraising and development, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships with likely partners and supporters well in advance of any political upheaval.
Despite these challenges, the survey also reveals a resilient and adaptable sector. A remarkable 70% of organizations acknowledge vulnerabilities in their advocacy and fundraising strategies but see the urgent need for recalibration as an opportunity for strategic growth. This mindset underscores a commitment to not just weather the storm but to emerge stronger and more impactful.
The report offered the following recommendations for nonprofits:
Understand their development/fundraising landscape so they know likely partners and supporters before they need them
Make sure they are spotlighting who their organization exists to serve on a personal level. Don't let the message get lost in an over-reliance on data or extensive details
Begin election scenario planning ASAP to enable their organizations to develop advocacy strategies that are adaptable and capable of responding promptly to potential policy regressions
Address potential retention and burnout issues ahead of time by focusing on culture and balance. Ensure that staff is a key constituency to engage, consult with, and listen to
Get their messaging, style/voice, and communications templates ready ahead of time
As nonprofits gear up for the 2024 election, the lessons ought to be clear: preparation, adaptability, and strategic innovation are key to navigating potential political shifts. With these strategies in place, the sector can not only anticipate challenges but can leverage them as opportunities for growth and enhanced impact. The road ahead may be fraught with uncertainty, but with the right preparations, the nonprofit sector can continue to thrive, advocate, and serve communities, no matter the political climate.