[NPFX Ep. 69] Building Resilience in the Face of Funding Cuts (with Laura Rosi and Elizabeth Silverstein)
Radical shifts in federal funding priorities continue to create widespread uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. In today’s episode, we explore strategies to build organizational resilience, collaborate with other nonprofits, and communicate effectively with donors and funders during difficult times. We also examine the unique value a consultant brings, and share key criteria for choosing the right advisor to help your nonprofit thrive. Listen here:
Episode highlights include:
- The importance of creating impact reports to assess which programs and services are most at risk.
- Strategies for diversifying revenue sources to reduce reliance on government contracts.
- The value of having a solid foundation and strategic plan when unexpected funding challenges arise.
- Starting conversations with other organizations that share funders to explore teaming up and creating collaborative approaches.
- The importance of crafting a compelling narrative that is solution-driven and not just asking for help.
- Examples of how Housing Families is using messaging and storytelling to make a strong case for support, including success stories, cost benefits, and return on investment reports.
- How a consultant can help build your case for support and determine what will resonate with donors.
- Why finding a consultant with a good cultural fit is important.
- How having a consultant can provide a sounding board and help you keep a level head during crises.
Special Offer: Free 30-minute consultation for NPFX listeners
Additional Resources
- IPM's free Nonprofit Resource Library
- [NPFX] Federal Funding Uncertainty: How to Assess the Risks and Respond Strategically
- [NPFX] Advocacy Matters: Defending Federal Funding for Nonprofits
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Guests
Laura Rosi, Esq. is the Chief Executive Officer at Housing Families. She is known for collaborating with government and community stakeholders to foster solutions to complex problems. Laura has worked on affordable housing and homelessness issues for more than fifteen years at Housing Families. Using this expertise, she has successfully expanded the reach of housing and mental health services for unhoused individuals and families in Malden, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, and beyond. Her passions include creating community connections, and building bridges amongst medical and healthcare providers through events like Housing Families’ Annual Legislative Breakfast. Laura is a graduate of American University of Rome and received her law degree from Suffolk University Law School.
Elizabeth Silverstein has served the not-for-profit sector for more than 40 years, specializing in transformational giving, vision casting, inspiring boards, and building passionate, effective teams. Beth has been instrumental in cultivating major gifts for capital campaigns in healthcare, two presidential libraries, higher education, K-12 independent schools, and social service organizations. With an ardent passion for protecting and propelling the nonprofit sector, Beth has joined the team at VisionConnect, a consultancy specializing in strategic planning, coalition building, governance excellence, and nonprofit capacity building. A BoardSource-certified Governance Consultant, she is passionate about coaching boards toward purpose-driven leadership and crafting bold strategic plans that drive maximum mission impact.
Hosts
Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.
Rich Frazier has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years. In his role as senior consultant with IPM Advancement, Rich offers extensive understanding and knowledge in major gifts program management, fund development, strategic planning, and board of directors development.