Given the number of nonprofit organizations operating in San Luis Obispo County and the limited fundraising opportunities that exist here, organizations are competing for scarce resources during the best of times. Now, faced with a significant economic downturn and major disruptions to their operations, many local nonprofits are struggling. Many need to re-evaluate and streamline their business models. Some could, and probably should, decide to consolidate their operations with like-minded entities. However, when asked, many local nonprofits would say they don’t know what to do to survive, let alone thrive, during these trying times.
To meet the current needs of the sector, Spokes will hold a free online symposium as a three-part series (each part approximately 1.5–2 hours in length) to educate nonprofit executives and board members on strategies to survive and thrive during times of crisis.
Each session would include:
- Keynote speaker with expert knowledge
- Panel of practitioners
- Opportunity for audience interaction
PART 1: April 13, 2021 12 PM PST – 1:30 PST
Simple Financial & Strategic Planning Steps Each Nonprofit Should Do Now
This first part of this series will address the simple steps every organization should do to evaluate their financial situation and plan in the face of an extended economic downturn and disruption of normal operations.
PART 2: April 20, 2021 12 PM PST – 1:30 PST
Partnering with Other Nonprofits– A Smart Business Decision for Space, Staffing, & Program Delivery
During this part of the series, Spokes will invite an expert in the field to discuss the many types of partnerships and why they can benefit an organization’s operations. Participants will also hear directly from organizations that have undergone a substantial partnership or merger about the pros and cons of that decision.
PART 3: April 27, 2021 12 PM PST – 1:30 PST
The Mechanics of Nonprofit Collaborations – A Quick “How to Guide” for Resource Sharing, Consolidations, and More
This part will cover the important “how to” information to consider. Participants will hear from an attorney, CPA, HR professional, and insurance representative on the factors to consider when preparing to partner with another entity or merge two organizations.