The elections are over...changes will occur...will they have a major or minor effect on your nonprofit?

Slow down! Don't operate in reactionary mode. These issues are not new to the nonprofit sector and happen from time to time. Think of the current environment as an opportunity to think and act strategically.

Programs and Services. Step back. Carefully examine all programs and services for effectiveness and efficiency. Perform a thorough cost:benefit analysis to find economies. Challenge staff to apply basic business principles to their operations and to ensure their program at least breaks even and does not drain organizational resources. How long can you afford to carry unprofitable programs? Especially when times are tough economically, you can't afford to continue to operate programs at a deficit!

Evaluate how closely current programs and services are aligned to mission and purpose. If a program isn't mission-critical, now is the time to strongly consider if it might be shared with another nonprofit or discontinued if it is not directly serving the mission and purpose of your organization. Far too many nonprofits operate in "We've always done this" mode...and habit is not a compelling reason to continue to offer programs that aren't mission-critical or that others could do better.

Finances, Personnel, etc.  Investigate avenues for collaboration with other nonprofits, especially in the areas of shared expenses, shared personnel, shared professional services. If you can't justify a full time position, why not share it? Or outsource it? Work with another nonprofit to share expenses for training, consulting and other professional services to get more bang for your bucks.

Resource Development. Diversify, diversify, diversify. If most of your eggs are in only one or two baskets. your sustainability is at risk. Perform a cost:benefit analysis on all your development programs. What does it really cost to send a mail campaign? Do a special event? Are they profitable?  Seek ways to diversify revenue sources. Include social enterprise/earned income. Don't fall into 'annual' campaign mode - give supporters at least 4 opportunities to support you each year. Energize your special events and reach out to new donors. Remember - 85% of all money given comes from individuals - ask them - often - in diverse ways.

And, the Most Question is This: Really, really, truly - do you need to exist? Are you duplicating the services of other nonprofits? Should you consider merging? Would this better serve both missions? Could you have an even greater impact on the causes you support?