In a downturned economy, how do non-profits navigate funding?

With an abundant amount of countries struggling to live in areas of war zones, underdeveloped systems and devastation from natural disasters, the need for non-profit services is on the rise. However high the demand for services are, how do non-profits secure funding in an economy that is exacerbated by high costs and budget constraints?

               

As founder and leader of, Coaching the Global Village, the economy is a powerful influence to the organization meeting its goals.  Like our ‘for-profit’ businesses, our entrepreneurial skills are called upon more in a downturned economy.

CGV’s purpose is to use coaching to create innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.  CGV partners with Non Government Organizations, (NGOs) to incorporate professional coaching skills into their work to reach target outcomes. CGV has designed a training curriculum to bring the “coach approach” to NGOs to enhance their ability to draw out the wisdom and motivation of their constituents, employees and ultimately the countries that they serve.  In 2008, we successfully completed three pilot training programs with wonderful organizations.

While many non-profits are vying for the same money and time, I am very grateful for the generosity of our funders. Without the initial grant from the foundation of Coaching and the Ruth Harnish family foundation, CGV would not be this far along in living my original vision.

As any young non-profit builds its visibility, there are concerns that our troubled economy will compel corporations and individuals to be less mindful of those in need. As coaches we know the value of the ‘coach approach’ but remain cognitive that in a downturned economy, non-profits must make sure their services (or better know as their ‘hero-behavior’) is in line with their financial resources.

At CGV, we are diligently building unique collaborations with other organizations that will keep our mission active and alive. To learn more about our work at CGV, please visit www.coachingtheglobalvillage.org.

For profit or not, how are you preparing for this economy?