How do you keep stakeholders informed during change in your nonprofit?

1 Identify your key stakeholders

Before you communicate any change, you need to know who your key stakeholders are and what their expectations, concerns, and preferences are. You can use a stakeholder analysis tool to map out your stakeholders based on their level of interest and influence in your nonprofit. This will help you prioritize and tailor your communication to different groups and individuals. For example, you may need to inform your board members and major donors about the change in more detail and frequency than your social media followers or newsletter subscribers.

2 Explain the why and the how

When you communicate change to your stakeholders, you need to explain not only what the change is, but also why it is necessary and how it will affect them and your nonprofit. You need to provide a clear and compelling rationale for the change, based on your nonprofit's mission, vision, and values. You also need to outline the steps and timeline for implementing the change, and how you will measure and report on the outcomes. This will help your stakeholders understand the purpose and benefits of the change, and how they can contribute or participate in it.

3 Use multiple channels and formats

Depending on the type and scale of the change, you may need to use different channels and formats to communicate with your stakeholders. For example, you may use email, phone calls, webinars, newsletters, social media, press releases, or face-to-face meetings to reach different audiences and convey different messages. You may also use different formats, such as text, audio, video, images, graphs, or infographics to make your communication more engaging and accessible. You should also consider the frequency and timing of your communication, and avoid sending too much or too little information at once.

4 Solicit feedback and input

Communication is a two-way process, and you need to listen to your stakeholders as much as you talk to them. You should solicit feedback and input from your stakeholders throughout the change process, and acknowledge and address their questions, comments, and concerns. You can use surveys, polls, focus groups, interviews, or online forums to collect feedback and input from your stakeholders. You can also create opportunities for dialogue and interaction, such as Q&A sessions, workshops, or brainstorming sessions, to involve your stakeholders in the change process and co-create solutions.

5 Celebrate milestones and successes

Change can be challenging and stressful for everyone involved, so you need to celebrate milestones and successes along the way. You should recognize and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your stakeholders, and share stories and testimonials of how the change is making a positive impact on your nonprofit and its beneficiaries. You should also celebrate the learning and growth that comes from the change, and highlight the lessons and best practices that you and your stakeholders have gained. This will help you create a culture of change and innovation in your nonprofit, and inspire your stakeholders to stay committed and supportive.

6 Be transparent and honest

Finally, you need to be transparent and honest with your stakeholders throughout the change process. You should communicate both the opportunities and the challenges that come with the change, and be realistic and candid about the risks and uncertainties. You should also admit and apologize for any mistakes or failures that may occur, and explain how you will address and prevent them in the future. You should also update your stakeholders on any changes or adjustments that may happen along the way, and explain the reasons and implications. This will help you build trust and credibility with your stakeholders, and show them that you value and respect them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?