For most nonprofit organizations, being able to adapt and change during disruptive times is essential.
Bouncing back from a crisis is difficult for any business. But when the organization relies on trust to meet its fundraising goals, resiliency and integrity are crucial.
But bouncing back can be difficult if you don’t have a plan in place. Working with a PR agency with nonprofit public relations experience can help you get back on track.
A proactive strategy includes three key components to help your nonprofit organization regain lost footing when times are tough. And an effective PR partner can help you navigate these challenges more efficiently.
1. Preparedness
Most businesses will face a crisis during their corporate lifetime. The same is true of many nonprofit agencies.
Whether the disruption is caused by an unexpected pandemic or because of an executive scandal, you can’t hope the problem will go away on its own.
A good PR agency will help you create a PR crisis communications plan so you can spring into action the minute the crisis develops. This plan spells out ways to ensure you:
- Have a response team in place
- Know how to address volunteers, donors, the media and other stakeholders
- Monitor the situation to ensure your actions are working
Maintaining good public relations is critical for nonprofits. Your donations and ability to help your cause is at stake.
2. Adaptability
By having a PR crisis plan in place, you also afford your organization the ability to adapt to the new situation.
You need to address your stakeholders immediately with the steps you’re taking to resolve the issue. This means you need to craft a PR message of transparency and agility.
Getting the right message out to the public affords you the ability to adapt to the changes you need to make to set the sails straight.
3. Trustworthiness
While you can build trust during the good times, it can be severely tested during bad times. But it’s important that you maintain the trust you’ve built with donors, volunteers and others.
By having a plan to provide timely and transparent information to the public, you can maintain your high level of trust. Be authentic when answering questions, and acknowledge your mistakes.
Having a well-mapped communications policy helps you maintain these levels of trust and openness.
But, for many nonprofit organizations, having the time and the expertise to develop a PR strategy that keeps them prepared, adaptable and trustworthy is difficult to do.
That’s why you need a team like Orange Orchard. Our expert content writers and media relations professionals can guide you through developing and acting on a PR crisis communications strategy.
If your nonprofit needs to stay resilient, call Orange Orchard at (865) 977-1973 or contact us online.