Supporting Not For Profits During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the way we live and work. And many impactful organisations are feeling the weight of uncertainty and the need to shift some of their operation to really leverage the budget and resources they have. For some, this difficult time has been an opportunity to re-structure and apply for more funding, while others have been streamlining and leveraging their existing resources. Either way, many not for profits and businesses for purpose have been changing things around.

I also saw an opportunity to reach out to more organisations in need of a clear, simple and effective social media solution, connecting with more people who are changing the world. More people reached out to me in search of solid strategic support and guidance. And I have been spending time with partners and suppliers, understanding how I can suport their work better as well.

I got together with Carolyn McCall, the founder of the Little Project Management Company to talk more about ways how not for profits can really leverage this challenging time for the benefit of their long-term prosperity.

Carolyn supports organisations who are passionate about creating social change. As a program designer and grant funding expert she has developed award winning projects around the world – but has a special place in her heart for grassroot programs initiated by local communities.

Carolyn believes in making a difference – the same difference that the Little Project Management Company makes by walking alongside organisations that do good in this world.​ She lives in Brisbane, Australia and has two young boys, a vintage caravan and a backyard orchard.

Carolyn and I spent some time together evaluating what has changed in the world, which now enables more opportunities for amazing not for profits. We both see ways in which organisaions for purpose can maximise their impact right now. This conversation is a match made in heaven!

It is unsurprising that Carolyn talks about going back to basics, reevaluating not for profits’ programs and current resources and how they approach grant applications from who they really are and where they are right now, instead of trying to fit in. How does it work?

In the current society, innovation and trends are encouraged in many industries, including those working towards social change. However, some of the most innovative thinking lies in detail and foundations, rather than the Next Big Thing. It is often a lot sexier to work on the Next Big Thing, however it’s often not the thing that creates the most impact.

Over my decade in social media marketing, I’ve been watching people and whole organisations chase innovation and creativity in order to improve visibility, donations and income, where small strategic pivots often birthed more fruits. It isn’t surprising to me (I’ve watched it many times enough!) that attending to what is already working and improving it rather than creating a whole new thing requires a lot less energy, fewer resources and it creates better results.

Many of my clients also thought that they had needed a huge social media revamp or leverage all social media channels there are, till we finally had a look at what worked and what didn’t, amplifying the existing resources, stripping off the unnecessary. This work unlocked unprecedented results for them because we focused on what works for them.

Carolyn talks about a common challenge of many gifted not for profits leaving behind who they really are – their core mission – trying to fit into the traditional grant application, which often results in failed attempts to apply for more funding. She suggests to go deeper within instead and look at the current organisational processes, programs and internal structures, finding ways to tweak the low hanging fruits and watch changes unfold almost instantly.

What I really resonate with is Carolyn’s approach to identifying the right funding. She looks at a charity organisation as whole being with emotions, feelings, dreams, goals and its mission, mapping out all the internal processes, connecting the most suitable funders. It means that she ensures the most aligned source of funding, which, of course, means long-term relationship and maximised benefits. Carolyn loves matching funders’ vision with her clients’ mission, creating strong and imactful marriages of change.

In the beginning, I mentioned that the unfortunate crisis of the COVID-19 has unlocked many unexpected opportunities for individuals and organnisations all around Australia and the world. Currently, many grant applications are becoming smaller and more concise, allowing for smoother and quicker process of receiving funding. This is a huge shift for so many impactful organisations.

Listen to the very end of the video to catch Carolyn’s tips on what should be the strongest first step right in strengthening your organisations.

P.S. Whenever you are ready… here how I can help you leverage social media technology to really power your mission:

I design simple and effective social media and Facebook ads strategies helping gifted not for profits and businesses for purpose leverage their social media technology and loyal community to really power their mission, building more donations and creating impact. My work is custom solution aiming at the specific needs of your work.

There are many ways you can reach out to see if I am a good fit for your goals. Check out the Facebook Messanger bubble on the bottom right, contact page on the top and/or a form and a calendar, if this type of communication suits you better.

I look forward to supporting your vision of the future!