Yes, Your Nonprofit Client Is Out of Their Mind

Well, not really. Your nonprofit client is NOT out of their mind.

Let me explain.

The reality is that working with nonprofit clients can sometimes be tough. Some days are good, some are bad, and sometimes, things can be good and bad on the same day. Today, I will share why, as grant professionals, we should fully understand the context in which many nonprofit leaders and their staff operate. This is so we can be poised to help them where they are and when they need it the most.

I term this post a love letter to nonprofit leaders- an understanding of where they are and the challenges they face. I am fortunate to have had the privilege of being Co-Founder of a nonprofit, so I know this life all too well.

Here are the challenges many nonprofit leaders face:

1. Their hair is always on fire. They often run from putting out one fire to running to the next.
2. Some operate in a scarcity mindset. It's not entirely their fault - they operate in a nonprofit environment that supports and re-enforces this type of thinking.
3. They are often working to fund staff salaries, including their own. It gets very REAL when you have people depending on you for their livelihood.
4. They may hear the word "no" often. They often have to keep their heads up and spirits high to stay motivated.
5. There are more people to help than the funding and resources they have available.?They also do a lot with very little. There are never enough people available to do all the things they need to do, and there are never enough hours in the day.
6. They constantly have to keep all the balls in the air. They are often also herding cats. If you ever had to herd cats, I mean people, then you already know.

So when you get that after-hours email, know they probably worked an 8-hour day, which is turning into a 12-hour day. As the grant professional at the table, be the thermostat, not a thermometer. Set the tone and energy of the relationship.

Here are a few tips:

1. Respond with grace to that spicy email that would have made anyone cringe, knowing their back is probably against the wall about something—although you may not know what that something is.
2. Send good recap emails—this will help them keep it all straight for them.
3. If you don't understand something or the email threads are laced with misunderstanding after misunderstanding, I know this is outdated, but?pick up the phone.
4. Set expectations and continuously manage expectations.
5. Demonstrate emotional maturity and resist the urge to respond in kind.

Know that it isn't just about grant writing. Incorporating strong client management tips like the tips shared today will help you manage your most difficult client and propel ongoing success.

Are there any other tips you would add? What are some other challenges non-profit leaders face?

-Shavonn

About Shavonn Richardson, MBA, GPC

Shavonn is the Founder and CEO of Think and Ink Grant Consulting. As a former nonprofit leader and grantmaker, Shavonn has over 20 years of experience delivering practical, real-world advice to nonprofit leaders nationwide.??Shavonn also serves as President of the Grant Professionals Association.

Shavonn earned the GPC (Grant Professional Certified) credential from the Grant Professionals Certification Institute in 2020 and is a Grant Professionals Association Approved Trainer.?Shavonn earned a BBA from Howard University in Washington, DC, and an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Learn more at www.thinkandinkgrants.com