Your non-profit is struggling financially. How can you motivate your team to help secure its future?

Something I’ve found meaningful in tough times is being upfront with your team. If your non-profit is struggling financially, don’t hide the reality—share it with them. When people know the truth, they feel a deeper connection to the cause and the urgency to find solutions. Letting them in on the situation helps create a sense of unity and purpose. It’s not just about getting through the storm, it’s about doing it together. When everyone understands the gravity, they’re more likely to offer ideas, make sacrifices, and work towards creative solutions. Transparency isn’t just about facts—it’s about building trust, showing respect, and fostering a collective belief that together, you can turn things around.

One thing I've learned is that when you empower your team to speak up, incredible things can happen. Creating a space where everyone’s ideas and concerns are truly heard can bring out fresh, innovative solutions that might never have surfaced otherwise. It’s about more than just collecting ideas—it’s about making people feel valued. When someone knows their voice matters, they become more invested in the mission. Suddenly, it’s not just a job; it’s a shared journey. Giving them ownership of the process makes them more willing to dig deep and go the extra mile, knowing they have a real stake in the future of the non-profit. Empowering voices builds a stronger, more committed team.

Celebrating small victories not only boosts morale but also inspires team members. When people see their colleagues succeed, it shows them that success is possible and motivates them to pursue their own wins. For example, consider setting up regular team shout-outs or sharing success stories in meetings. Seeing other people's successes encourages team members to observe what their colleagues are doing to be successful and learn from those strategies, helping everyone work toward achieving greater goals as a team.

An innovative approach helps a lot, especially during financial difficulties. Most nonprofits generate the majority of funds through their limited donors, i.e., called the 80-20 ratio. An innovative approach can help nonprofits generate new revenue. Here are some of the creative approaches I found helpful: - Strengths of the team members: identify your team's strengths and involve them in the building process. This helps bring new perspectives and ideas. - Develop meaningful partnerships: identify areas where you can get resources through partnership. For example, you can collaborate with volunteer groups to get interns to help promote your crowdfunding campaign.

From what I’ve seen, even when the budget is tight, investing in your team’s growth can make all the difference. Offering chances for skill development shows that you value their personal and professional journey, and that loyalty goes both ways. When people feel supported, they stick around—and often, with new skills, they can help the organization run more smoothly, bringing fresh ideas to the table. It’s a win-win: they get the growth they crave, and your non-profit gets a team that’s more equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Sometimes, investing in people is the best way to invest in the future.

One thing that always helps is giving your team something to look forward to, especially during tough times. When the future feels uncertain, having a clear, actionable plan can be a powerful motivator. Lay out both short-term and long-term goals, with small, achievable milestones along the way. This way, everyone knows exactly what they’re working toward and can see progress, even when times are tough. Focusing on the future isn’t just about solving today’s problems—it’s about creating hope and confidence that, together, you’ll reach stability. When your team knows a plan and a vision is guiding them, they’ll feel more empowered to tackle the present with determination.