7 Things Nonprofits Should Do NOW as We Come Out of Lockdown

Most stores, restaurants, factories, salons, and bars in America will begin to open (likely) in the next 30-45 days. The world will be different. 30-40M people may still be out of work. Most people will be leery of sitting or standing as close as they once did. The way we touch merchandise, and each other, will change.

We are entering into a period of time when many will head back to work. Are you ready? Whether your organization focuses on food, domestic violence, health, civil rights, education or animal welfare…you will be impacted. Here are 7 things to do now.

1.     Update your website 

Is there something about coming out of lockdown that you can capitalize on? Can you use an announcement bar, pop-up, splash page, or a banner on your site to call attention to safety, optimism, or coming together for the community? As noted below, you’ll also want to make sure your nonprofit’s donation page is optimized (in tip-top shape) to capture the potential wave of energy coming.

2.     Update your technology

Will work-from-home culture change your workplace? Will you need access to a free or paid teleconference software permanently (hangouts, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, or other)? Will you need to do more video instruction for onboarding new remote employees, or for explaining anything from a distance? Crank out quick videos and screencasts with Loom or SoapBox or Zoom. Did your nonprofit save money during the lockdown? Can you reroute that to IT? Are you worried about loss of revenue? Now is the time to call tech vendors and ask about better pricing. Have you or your supporters had to innovate during the lockdown in ways that will require you to rethink the way you raise funds (fewer events, more Facebook/Instagram)? Start updating things NOW!

3.     Be ready to fundraise

People are about to spend a lot of money, whether they should or not. They will buy clothes, they will buy food and alcohol, and stuff for summer. There will be a few weeks, until those credit cards come, that folks are going to be in a state of glee and recovery from cabin fever. Capitalize on this wave. If you have been holding back on fundraising…3…2…1. LAUNCH that drive very soon. 

HRC Facemask campaign

Think about swag. The Human Rights Campaign raised a ton of money creating then donating equality-themed face masks. Be opportunistic like them. Find ways to let your supporters “own” a piece of your brand while still being safe this summer. I have always been a fan of small intimate house parties. Now is the time to line up 25-50 of them by the end of summer. “Social Distance for Social Change” events can become a new norm. One awesome thing I saw during lockdown was the creative way that artists were making money. I attended zoom comedy shows using Eventbrite to take donations of any amount for the performances. I also supported a Sunday night cabaret Facebook Live event where you could Venmo or Paypal a donation to the artist Brian Nash who would then play a song request within 30 minutes! It was awesome. Brian and others helped raise $6500 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in one night online. Can your organization link up with artists and do a benefit this way? This summer?

4.     People’s patterns will change

We skipped right over spring sports and spring cleaning. People will be experiencing changes with their careers, their physical fitness, their diets and even their hygiene! But you should be ready for nearby travel to skyrocket. Most people will probably stay close to home, and likely won’t travel more than 500 miles (by car, train or boat) until things are less scary, but there may be long lines at retailers and restaurants. Volunteers will be able to increase their availability, but they may want to stay home more. You will need to pivot your volunteer programs to accommodate the many different ways volunteers will want to interact with your organization. Be ready!

5.     Reach out…to check-in

Now is the perfect time to send a postcard, or make a phone call, or blast a text to your supporters to let them know you care about them and are here for them. Tie your mission and your work to the moment and be authentic. People will be distracted by the news, summer, navigating a change in lifestyle…stay in front of them somehow. Remind them you exist and that your work matters.

6.     Beaches, boats, and bars 

People are itching to go to three places in particular: Beaches (or on boats), Bars, and Barbers. Can your nonprofit anticipate this migration and partner in awesome ways you never have before? Bar night fundraisers all summer to make up for your canceled gala? A table at the beach getting hundreds of new supporters signed up for your cause (of course later you’ll follow up to make them a volunteer or donor.) Can you purchase a list of individuals with boating licenses in your state and encourage all boat owners to do something in solidarity with your organization this summer. Can you work with the largest marinas within 100 miles to distribute a bulletin about safety and how your organization can use their help? People are dying for a good haircut, style, and color. Get ready for long waiting lists and lines for basic grooming and facials. Have any relationships with salons and barbershops? Think of ways to partner that can raise awareness and funding.

7.     Revelry…and the aftermath

People are about to let off some steam. This means that alcohol consumption, dating apps, and other recreational activities are about to explode. In terms of services, is your organization, house of worship, or helpline ready for the mischief and the services that will be needed? There may be a 30-60 day window where it feels like Mardi Gras everywhere. Drunk driving fatalities have plummeted during lockdown but so have hospital visits. People may be feeling a bit invincible. If you are a frontline service organization…be prepared for tons of demand on your resources.

Have any other ideas for how nonprofits need to pivot? Send them my way sean@mindthegapconsulting.org.