Resilience

The house I've rented for the past eight years is being sold. The house is 101 years old. It isn't "done" by modern standards. It wouldn't know a family room, a gourmet kitchen, or a walk-in closet. Yet it has been perfect for raising my three sons. We love the hardwood floors, beautiful windows, and big front porch. Knowing this day would come, I'm reconciled to the move. I thought my high school son was equally resigned until late one night when it became clear that the move was going to be harder on him than either of us thought. In years to come, this is the home he will remember. As someone who has lived longer than him, I know he will be fine. He may never realize this, but this is one of those experiences that will teach him resilience.

As someone who works with a lot of nonprofits, I feel qualified to say that nonprofits know resilience. Nonprofit leaders must be highly attuned to change, because so many things can impact the sector: an economic downturn, instability in the world, a crisis at home, or an election. Nonprofits - doing some of the hardest work in any community - can be as vulnerable as those they serve. Right now, many feel anxious about what the next few years will bring and how their clients may be impacted by changes in funding and programs.

It is at this time when nonprofits are facing change and uncertainty that the Compass Client Application will open for our 2017-18 projects. There couldn't be a better moment to consider working with Compass. To weather uncertain times, nonprofits must be stable and sustainable. We know what contributes to this state: strong governing boards, diversified funding, a strategic plan to keep the organization focused, and a clear alignment of mission, programs and staff. Because these are core to any nonprofit's sustainability, these are the services that Compass offers.

The Compass application opens in mid-April, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about how Compass can help the nonprofit that matters to you. At Compass, we love this time of year, because we get to talk to nonprofit leaders who are considering a project. Together, we can think through their needs and priorities. We listen as nonprofit leaders talk about their fears and worries, as well as their hopes and dreams. We know that Compass teams of business professionals can provide support to nonprofits facing both challenges and opportunities.

This year more than some others, the work we do will be particularly important. All six of our services (see details below) ensure a strong foundation for nonprofits. This foundation creates long-term resilience against the external forces that can impact nonprofits.

Resilience isn't born out of comfort and ease. Resilience happens as a result of making it through hard times and coming out the other side. My son and I will move on from this house we love. He will learn that he will be okay when change happens. Nonprofits will also come through the current challenging times to get to the other side, but don't have to do it on their own. We are here to help. I hope you'll consider a Compass project for 2017-18. Let's talk.