When Politicians Play Chess with Your Funding (quick defense strategy)

With so much uncertainty I wanted to find a way to add value to you non-profit leaders, with no intent to sell you anything here. I figured I'd create these Weekly Emails I call Monday Motivational Minute because Mondays are historically the roughest days, and a minute . . . well because you're very busy people. In these, I'll add creative, quick, actionable takeaways for you to try (All in a minute read). No pressure, no need to respond, read at your leisure or unsubscribe if it doesn't add value.

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Happy Almost Friday,

This Political climate is "scary", for lack of better words! One day your programs are heroes, next day they're villains. This rollercoaster is enough to make any non-profit leader scream internally while maintaining that calm exterior your team desperately needs. UGHHH!

I'm truly sorry you have to go through this! 😓

I feel it too. That stomach-dropping sensation with each headline, wondering if today's news torpedo will sink tomorrow's funding. Meanwhile, everyone looks to you for stability while chaos rises.

Remember, in your world, uncertainty is the only certainty. You're constantly operating in a space where the rules of engagement can change overnight, leaving you scrambling to figure things out while maintaining the quality and accessibility of our services.

But YOU ARE RESILIENT and have dealt with hurdles like this before. Yes, not on this scale, but problems are problems, and you're a fixer! Which of your two days have ever been the same?

This powerful exercise helped us navigate these unpredictable times; something I call "Scenario Planning Sprints" that has dramatically reduced my anxiety while increasing our organizational resilience.

Actionable Task: Block 2 hours with your leadership team and try this exercise:

1. Identify 3 specific political scenarios that could impact your organization (funding cuts, policy changes, community perception shifts)

2. For each scenario, answer three questions:

   • What services MUST we protect at all costs?

   • What alternative funding/support could we activate quickly?

   • What one-sentence message would reassure our community?

3. Create a simple one-page "rapid response plan" for each scenario

4. Share the high-level strategy with staff to reduce their anxiety and build confidence

Remember: Perfect predictions never exist. Perfect preparation can. When your response plans are solid, political storms become background noise while your impact remains the headline.

You got this. You're "why" is stronger than theirs!🙏🏾

Regis Arzu  (he/him/his)
[email protected]
CoVoice | CEO
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720.460.1813
covoice.io