Nonprofits Amidst a Pandemic
By Brenna Parker, Think Round Fine Arts Online, April 19, 2021
Unsplash/Scott Graham
As COVID-19 swept the globe which led to over 3 million deaths and dismantled world economies, nonprofit organizations are making every effort to maintain functioning services and reach their funding objectives. With diminished consumer spending as well as unspecified government grant support, nonprofits are not in the best position to move forward from the damaging effects of the pandemic.
So how will nonprofit organizations adjust to this new environment and remain successful?
The nonprofits who have been the most successful at preserving their mission amidst uncertainty are those that embrace change and adapt quickly.
Both healthcare and arts organizations have been seen to make adjustments fairly well. For healthcare-related services, there has been a rapid switch from in-person appointments to online or telehealth in addition to modifying regulative requirements related to the oversight of the pandemic. With arts organizations, there has been a spike in the transition from in-person to online sales and showcasing. Galleries have been recreated virtually, websites have been updated, and the ultimate online experience for browsing or buying art has been made more seamless.
Think Round Fine Arts is a 501(c) nonprofit fine arts gallery that has transitioned well in the heat of the pandemic. This organization immediately made the transition from an in-person operation to an online and implemented an immersive virtual 3D gallery. In addition, Think Round has collaborated with several artists and have hosted five virtual exhibits over this past year, equipped with online opening receptions and other virtual meetups, launched 'Earth Hearts Talk series' which majorly focuses on artists, the environment, mental health, and general wellbeing strengthening networking and overall online presence.
Globally, healthcare and arts nonprofit organizations shifted their operations to ones that are less traditional. However, these and many organizations are starting to increase their online services and availability worldwide
A doctor makes a telehealth call, 2020 (Chancy Bush/The Gazette)
The nonprofit world has also needed to shift to virtual fundraising operations. Potential donors being asked to attend various Zoom meetings or other online platforms can be challenging, as well as getting a level of engagement out of them. The influence and enthusiasm of a live event, which may bring in more donations than an online platform would, is no longer possible during this pandemic. But it is still important for nonprofits to resume networking efforts online to help build a stronger digital presence and maintain solid relationships, building impact with time.
The emotional toll of the pandemic along with moving work completely online has made it difficult to keep team members motivated and feel fully supported. That is why administering meaningful opportunities for volunteers and employees to connect could help alleviate emotional stress and reinforce a collective belief in the nonprofit’s mission. This could look like a weekly virtual check-in, a safe space to discuss mental health or even a discussion about work-related stress.
As COVID-19 has brought about many obstacles in the nonprofit sector, there have also been many innovations that are set to last. Telehealth services are allowing for more patients to be cared for without expanding their facilities. Moreover, this could result in advanced preventative care as more patients would be willing to make appointments online with ease, as opposed to in-person visits.
Making strategic organizational changes in the midst of a pandemic is not an easy task. These changes may seem formidable, but with hardships come opportunities for transformation and growth.
Brenna Parker is Digital Analytics and Marketer at Think Round Fine Arts Online.