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readiness for change

5 Signs Your Nonprofit Board Isn’t Ready for Change (And How to Fix It) 

Change is here, and it’ll only keep coming faster.  

Change is daunting for many nonprofit organizations and the boards that lead them, resulting in stalled progress and organizations stuck in outdated ways of working.  

For over 30 years, we’ve worked with nonprofit boards and executives to navigate, lead, and lead through all sorts of change, big and small. We’ve identified five signs of boards that aren’t ready for change.  

If any of these signs resonate, it might be time to pause and assess your board’s readiness for change. 

(Prefer Listening? Check out the AI-Generated Podcast version of this article! We know how busy life can get, so we’ve created a podcast version of this blog post, powered by AI! This is a fun, convenient way to engage with the content if you’re short on time or prefer to listen on the go. Listen here.)

A Culture of Conflict Avoidance  

When your nonprofit board consistently avoids difficult conversations or insists on unanimous decisions, it signals deeper issues, like an unwillingness to consider divergent perspectives, explore disagreement, or address underlying tensions. Conflict-avoidant cultures prevent honest discussion of challenges and stifle the robust debate needed for effective change management. 

Weak Board Relationships that Limit Trust 

Strong change leadership requires deep trust among board members. Without meaningful relationships beyond formal meetings, boards struggle to foster the candid dialogue essential for navigating change. Missing regular board retreats or informal gatherings? Your board may lack the camaraderie and connection that makes managing organizational change easier. 

Over-Dependence on Legacy Leaders 

If your board constantly looks to a few long-tenured members for direction, it may be leaning too heavily on past experiences. While institutional knowledge matters, over-reliance on experience can block innovation and change adoption. Frequent term extensions or a long-serving board chair often indicate resistance to fresh perspectives. 

Blind Spots in Board Knowledge and Perspective  

Change-ready boards actively identify and address knowledge gaps. Does your board know what it doesn’t know? If your board operates on outdated assumptions or lacks diverse expertise, you’re vulnerable to missed opportunities and emerging risks. Without regular scenario planning and risk management updates, your board may be unprepared for change challenges. 

Decision Paralysis that Blocks Progress 

When your nonprofit board repeatedly delays decisions or gets stuck in endless debate, it reveals deeper issues with change readiness. Boards trapped in analysis paralysis often prioritize avoiding mistakes over making progress—a dangerous stance in today’s fast-moving environment. If your board struggles to make everyday decisions in calm times, it’s not ready to make the more challenging choices necessary in times of change.  

Why Change Readiness Matters Now 

Today’s nonprofit landscape demands unprecedented adaptability and maintaining the status quo is risky. From evolving donor expectations and shifting policy environments to increased demands for organizational agility, the stakes have never been higher. Your staff, stakeholders, donors, and community depend on your organization’s ability to navigate change effectively. 

But here’s the challenge: without objective data on your board’s change readiness, you risk costly missteps that can derail your mission. 

That’s why CSR Communications developed the **Change Readiness Index™**. This comprehensive diagnostic tool measures your board’s change readiness across eight critical dimensions, providing: 

  • Clear identification of strengths and improvement areas 
  • Actionable strategies for building change readiness 
  • Data-driven insights for board development

Take the Next Step 

Your mission deserves more than guesswork. Discover how the Change Readiness Index™ can help your board lead change with confidence. 

Click here to learn more about the Change Readiness Index ™ and how it can help your organization navigate change happening now and whatever comes next.  

Book a call here if you’d rather talk with us to learn more or see if the Change Readiness Index™ is right for your organization. 

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Invitation: What’s YOUR next big thing?

At CSR Communications, we’re the experts at helping socially-conscious businesses and mission-driven organizations achieve their next big initiative and rapidly expand their impact.

That’s why we launched the Next Big Thing Executive Forum. This monthly series brings together small groups of C-Suite executives and senior leaders for off-the-record, peer-to-peer, idea exchange conversations. We cover topics essential to defining, designing and successfully realizing your “next big thing,” whether it’s a new strategic initiative, internal policy shift or significant organizational transformation. There’s no fee to participate and no sales pitch at the event.

Click here to see our upcoming topics and request an invitation to our next event.

 

Press Release: New Tool Empowers Nonprofit Boards to Strengthen Change Readiness and Navigate Uncertainty

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CSR Communications, Inc., a woman-owned firm serving nonprofits and social purpose organizations across the United States, unveiled today its proprietary Change Readiness Index™, a first-of-its-kind assessment tool designed specifically to help nonprofit boards measure and enhance their capacity to lead through change confidently.

“Nonprofit organizations are continuously adapting, from leadership transitions and evolving constituency needs to emerging technologies like AI,” said Nancy Murphy, CEO and founder, CSR Communications. “With U.S. elections just around the corner, now is the time for boards to ensure they are ready for both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”

The Change Readiness Index™, based on insights gathered over more than three decades in the nonprofit sector, measures a board’s readiness across eight critical dimensions, including trust, transparency and foresight.

Nonprofit boards that had the opportunity to experience early access to the index have already seen the value.

“The Change Readiness Index sparked critical conversations we might have otherwise overlooked,” said Jenn Bell-Ellwanger, Board Chair of Maryland Reads. “It highlighted key perspectives within our board, strengthening our readiness to tackle challenges together.”

Through a 35-question survey, board members and executive leadership gain insights into their organization’s strengths and areas for improvement. Key features include:

Insightful Analysis: A summary of the board’s top strengths and areas for growth.

Benchmark Comparisons: Insight into how the organization’s readiness stacks up against industry standards.

Actionable Recommendations: Clear steps boards can take to improve their readiness for change.

“For nonprofits, effective governance means being more than just aware of potential disruptions; it requires being prepared to respond in ways that foster resilience and sustain results,” said Murphy. “The Change Readiness Index™ helps boards know where they stand and what they can do to improve.”

To learn more about the Change Readiness Index™, visit https://csrcommunications.ac-page.com/Change-readiness or register for our October 24th virtual Open House by visiting https://csrcommunications.ac-page.com/change-readiness-open-house.

About CSR Communications
Since 2014, CSR Communications has specialized in helping nonprofits, foundations and other social purpose organizations navigate complex changes through strategy, change management, leadership development and communications.

Contact: Nancy Murphy, CSR Communications
Phone: 202-222-8908
Email: Nancy@CSRCommunications.com

Curious how the Change Readiness Index could help your organization? Request a call.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Invitation: What’s YOUR next big thing?

At CSR Communications, we’re the experts at helping socially-conscious businesses and mission-driven organizations achieve their next big initiative and rapidly expand their impact.

That’s why we launched the Next Big Thing Executive Forum. This monthly series brings together small groups of C-Suite executives and senior leaders for off-the-record, peer-to-peer, idea exchange conversations. We cover topics essential to defining, designing and successfully realizing your “next big thing,” whether it’s a new strategic initiative, internal policy shift or significant organizational transformation. There’s no fee to participate and no sales pitch at the event.

Click here to see our upcoming topics and request an invitation to our next event.

5 Things National Preparedness Month Can Teach Nonprofit Boards About Change Readiness

Prefer Listening? Check out the AI-Generated Podcast version of this article! We know how busy life can get, so we’ve created a podcast version of this blog post, powered by AI! This is a fun, convenient way to engage with the content if you’re short on time or prefer to listen on the go. Listen here.

September is National Preparedness Month, spearheaded by FEMA, reminding us all to consider how prepared we are for potential disasters and emergencies. Beyond personal and family safety, it’s also a timely reminder for nonprofit boards to reflect on their own readiness for inevitable changes—whether it’s an executive transition, losing a major donor, or expanding to new regions.

Here’s what disaster preparedness can teach us about how nonprofit boards should prepare for change. (Read about the ten disruptions all nonprofits will face in the next year here.)

Don’t be an ostrich.

According to Ready.gov, “Talking about disasters or emergencies isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting our loved ones by avoiding the conversation, but taking those steps is crucial to staying safe.”

The same goes for nonprofit boards. Too often, boards ignore the possibility of change, hoping it will never happen. As one board chair told me, “We can’t start succession planning for our 80-year-old founder because he’ll think we want him out now.” Another said, “We love our CEO and can’t imagine her ever leaving. We don’t even want to think about it!”

Get your heads out of the sand and have uneasy conversations.

The best time to prepare is before change is at your doorstep.

The best time to prepare for a disaster isn’t when the tornado sirens are blaring. National Preparedness Month is all about encouraging people to prepare in advance while they’re calm, with thoughtful discussions spread out over time.

The same goes for nonprofit board change readiness. Don’t wait for your board chair to step down or for a game-changing donation to land in your lap before you start discussing officer succession, risk tolerance, or future expansion.

Start those conversations now so that you can take quick, intentional action when necessary.

Preparedness boosts prevention, mitigation, response and recovery.

FEMA defines preparedness as being in “a better state of readiness to withstand or avoid the immediate impact of a disaster.” Similarly, a change-ready nonprofit board can act decisively to prevent unnecessary disruption, mitigate the effects of inevitable changes, and recover faster when those changes do occur.

In short, a change-ready board creates a more resilient organization.

Preparedness is ongoing. Not one-and-done.

Just as you update your emergency kits and check smoke detector batteries regularly, your board should continuously measure its readiness for change. An annual assessment that identifies strengths and gaps and offers actionable recommendations ensures your board stays prepared for the future.

There are resources to help. Use them.

When it comes to emergency preparedness, resources abound—from FEMA to the American Red Cross to your local volunteer center.

For nonprofit boards, change readiness tools may not be as widespread, but there are key resources available—if you know where to look. That’s where CSR Communications comes in.

Introducing the Change Readiness Index™: Your Preparedness Tool

CSR Communications’ Change Readiness Index™ is a first-of-its-kind tool designed to measure your board’s readiness for change across eight key characteristics. Each board member and the chief executive complete a quick, five-minute survey online. The resulting baseline report reveals your board’s strengths and areas for improvement, along with actionable recommendations to ensure your board isn’t just change-ready but also change-capable and resilient.

For boards committed to elevating their leadership and ensuring long-term stability for the organizations they serve, this tool provides a clear roadmap. The package includes a follow-up survey six months later, plus customized recommendations for ongoing improvement.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Build a change-ready board today—before the storm hits.

Ready to learn more? Book a call today to learn more about CSR Communications’ Change Readiness Index™ and the insight and recommendations it offers to help your board lead and thrive through change.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Invitation: What’s YOUR next big thing?

At CSR Communications, we’re the experts at helping socially-conscious businesses and mission-driven organizations achieve their next big initiative and rapidly expand their impact.

That’s why we launched the Next Big Thing Executive Forum. This monthly series brings together small groups of C-Suite executives and senior leaders for off-the-record, peer-to-peer, idea exchange conversations. We cover topics essential to defining, designing and successfully realizing your “next big thing,” whether it’s a new strategic initiative, internal policy shift or significant organizational transformation. There’s no fee to participate and no sales pitch at the event.

Click here to see our upcoming topics and request an invitation to our next event.

5 Benefits of Measuring Your Board’s Readiness for Change Now

Prefer Listening? Check out the AI-Generated Podcast version of this article! We know how busy life can get, so we’ve created a podcast version of this blog post, powered by AI! This is a fun, convenient way to engage with the content if you’re short on time or prefer to listen on the go. Listen here.

From post-election policy changes and CEO transitions to fundraising challenges (and opportunities) in a persistently uncertain economy, every nonprofit will face change in the coming months.  

As a nonprofit board chair or member, you want to know what you can do now to make sure you’re able to govern effectively and serve the organization well during changes, big or small, in the future. As a nonprofit CEO or executive director, you need to know your board is a strong and capable partner who’s ready to help you navigate change.  

That’s why every nonprofit organization can benefit from assessing their board’s readiness for change now.  

Here are five key benefits your nonprofit will gain from measuring your board’s readiness for change now, before you need to lead or lead through change.  

1. Retention of High-Quality Board Members 

A board that proactively assesses its readiness for change demonstrates a serious commitment to the organization’s future. When board members see this commitment, it strengthens their connection to the organization and to each other. The process and acting on the insight from it contribute to a positive board service experience and make it less likely that members will feel overwhelmed during times of change. Instead of facing crises, they’ll prevent them or be equipped to handle challenges together, reinforcing their commitment and preventing potential resignations at times when organizations most need engagement and stability in their governance.  

2. Recruitment of High-Quality Board Members 

Nonprofits that invest in board development and board change readiness position themselves as forward-thinking and committed to continuous improvement. This not only strengthens the current board but also attracts high-caliber candidates who are eager to contribute to an organization that prioritizes self-assessment and growth. Sharing the insight and action steps from your board’s readiness for change assessment with potential board members can be a powerful recruitment tool, showcasing your board’s dedication to excellence and readiness to face future challenges. 

3. Stronger Board-Executive Relationship 

When a board actively measures and reflects on its change readiness, it opens the door to meaningful dialogue with the executive team. This process signals to the executive director or CEO that the board is committed to being a supportive partner in navigating change. It also allows the board to understand better its role in executive transitions, succession planning, and other critical organizational shifts. The result is a more cohesive and aligned relationship between the board and the executive team. 

4. Better Understanding of Risks & Opportunities 

A key component of change-ready boards is having a shared understanding of the organization’s risk tolerance, scenario planning, and ability to demonstrate foresight. Assessing the board’s readiness for change gives your board a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for improvement. The board knows where it’s well-positioned to lead and where there are gaps that need attention. With this knowledge, the board can better manage risks and seize opportunities, ensuring that the organization remains resilient in the face of change. 

5. Better Decisions 

Boards that assess their change readiness have insight to inform decision-making processes, ensuring that they are strategic, forward-looking, and grounded in a comprehensive understanding of their strengths. This insight can guide everything from strategic planning to board recruitment, board meeting structures, and the type of board committees needed. It also contributes to higher quality discussion and engagement with the executive team, enabling the board to support the executive team and the organization’s mission better in times of stability and change.  

Measuring your nonprofit board’s readiness for change is essential for your organization to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Do you know the elements of change readiness where your board is strong and where it needs to improve?  

Find out now, before change is necessary or imminent.  

Ready to find out how prepared your board is? 

Book a call today to learn more about CSR Communications’ Change Readiness Index™ and the insight and recommendations it offers your board to lead and thrive through change. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Invitation: What’s YOUR next big thing?

At CSR Communications, we’re the experts at helping socially-conscious businesses and mission-driven organizations achieve their next big initiative and rapidly expand their impact.

That’s why we launched the Next Big Thing Executive Forum. This monthly series brings together small groups of C-Suite executives and senior leaders for off-the-record, peer-to-peer, idea exchange conversations. We cover topics essential to defining, designing and successfully realizing your “next big thing,” whether it’s a new strategic initiative, internal policy shift or significant organizational transformation. There’s no fee to participate and no sales pitch at the event.

Click here to see our upcoming topics and request an invitation to our next event.

10 Disruptions Your Nonprofit Will Face in the Next 18 Months  

Change is coming. It’s no longer a matter of “if” but “when.”  

We see ten major shifts likely heading your way. But these disruptions don’t have to be disruptive. In fact, they can be tremendous opportunities. If you’re ready.  

Read on to learn what these disruptions are and what you can do to prepare and assess your readiness for change. 

1. Executive Turnover 

You know good leaders are essential to meeting your mission. So, what happens when your executive director or key leaders start thinking about their next chapter? It’s unsettling, to say the least. That’s why now’s the time to start thinking about succession planning to ensure your organization doesn’t miss a beat when transitions happen. Has your board made sure everything’s in place—from leadership continuity to keeping the team’s morale high? 

Think your CEO isn’t ready to move on…think again. Three national studies in the past decade revealed that up to 75% of all nonprofit executives plan to leave their positions during the next five to seven years (that means many are ready now), and 75 million Baby Boomers are expected to retire by 2030.  

2. Board Leadership Transition 

Just like your executive team, your board, especially the board chair, plays a key role in your nonprofit’s direction. When board members step down or leadership changes, you risk losing momentum.  

How prepared is your board for a leadership transition? Do your bylaws include officer terms and a clear process for selection?  

3. Regulatory Shifts 

With U.S. elections this fall, regulatory shifts in ESG, taxes, immigration, trade, and more will create new opportunities, obstacles, or compliance challenges for your nonprofit.  

According to the National Council of Nonprofits, “The expiration of key provisions of the 2017 tax law at the end of 2025 sets the stage for one of the most consequential tax debates in a generation.” 

Is your board ready to help you stay ahead of these shifts, ensuring you’re not just compliant but confident in your operations? If your board has never engaged in advocacy before, are they ready to do so now?  

4. Economic Uncertainty 

The economy has been especially unpredictable the last four years and shows few signs of stabilizing, especially with U.S. elections looming. We’ve seen how economic shifts can tighten budgets and make fundraising tougher, especially with increasing interest rates and recession predictions coming and going every month.   

Is your board ready to explore new revenue streams, support cost cuts, or pursue new kinds of donors and partners?  

5. Changes in Giving Patterns 

Individual donors aren’t giving the way they used to, and many now shun what they see as “old-fashioned” fundraising tactics. Many individuals and corporations have adopted a “wait-and-see” attitude on non-essential spending, including charitable donations, postponing decisions until after this fall’s U.S. elections.  

Board members play vital roles as donors, fundraisers, and ambassadors for your organization. Are they ready and willing to change their approach to attract future donors? To let go of a much-loved annual gala that’s no longer producing results?  

6. Shifting Donor Expectations 

Individual donors want a stronger connection to the organizations they support. There’s a growing trend for customization and personalization across all industries, including our interactions with the causes we volunteer for, advocate for, and give money to.  

Institutional donors are increasingly shifting to trust-based philanthropy, big bets, and general operating support grants.  

When was the last time your board updated its gift policy? Considered the investments required to stay ahead of or meet shifting donor expectations? Dreamed up the “moonshot” you’d pursue if the organization received a sudden windfall? Or debated the value of taking a risk on that moonshot versus saving for a rainy day? 

7. AI Adoption 

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a thing of the future—it’s here, there, and everywhere. Policies can’t keep up with the pace of development, and the full implications of AI – on staffing, fundraising, the causes you champion, and the people you serve – are unclear. Multiple studies show less than half of nonprofits use AI at all.  

Has your board explored the risks and benefits of the latest technology? What about the impacts on and implications for the people your organization serves, your donors, and your partners? What level of risk is your board willing to take on technology that might (or might not) deliver a worthwhile ROI?  

8. Staffing (Turnover, Shortages, Layoffs…)  

Factors like stress, burnout, wage stagnation, and salary competition have always sparked turnover in nonprofit staff. Technology, demand for programs and services, labor market imbalances, and economic uncertainty may all change the number and type of employees that nonprofits need. Many employers now struggle to manage five generations in the workplace at once; in the next 18 months, Boomers will become less influential as more retire, and Gen Z will increase its numbers, shaping work and workplaces.  

According to the 2024 State of Nonprofits report, almost 60% of nonprofit leaders identify staff-related concerns — including but not limited to losing staff to organizations with more competitive compensation and benefits, general lack of staff capacity and burnout, and internal/cultural issues — as one of their organization’s biggest challenges.  

Has your board explored new and different ways of meeting your mission or delivering core services with fewer staff? What about the risks of persistent staff burnout or internal conflict? Policy changes to attract and retain Gen Z employees?  

9. Cybersecurity Threats 

Digital threats are everywhere, with bad actors getting smarter, bolder, and more aggressive every day.  Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. Too many nonprofits under-invest in technology upgrades, technology infrastructure, IT staff or support, and staff training/cyber-security awareness.  

According to Forbes, 343 million+ people were victims of cybersecurity attacks in 2023, and 94% of organizations reported email security incidents during that time. Is this risk on your board’s radar? What’s the crisis plan if (when!) there’s an incident?  

10. Demand for Programs and Services 

Societal changes and government policy shifts cause demand for nonprofit programs and services to fluctuate. Fundraising and funding availability impact how well you can meet those changing demands or adapt when those you serve need something different or want their needs met in a different way.  

A 2024 study from Forvis Mazars reports 74% of nonprofits are planning to eliminate some of their current programs and services over the next one to two years. Is your board protecting sacred cows that no longer deliver results? Has your board done scenario planning for a significant increase or decrease in demand for your services?  

These disruptions can be opportunities to strengthen, grow, and differentiate your nonprofit. Ensure your board has the insights and tools to navigate whatever comes next. Sign up for early access to our upgraded Change Readiness Index™ for nonprofit boards, and make sure your organization is ready for anything. 

Contact Us.

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Invitation: What’s YOUR next big thing?

At CSR Communications, we’re the experts at helping socially-conscious businesses and mission-driven organizations achieve their next big initiative and rapidly expand their impact.

That’s why we launched the Next Big Thing Executive Forum. This monthly series brings together small groups of C-Suite executives and senior leaders for off-the-record, peer-to-peer, idea exchange conversations. We cover topics essential to defining, designing and successfully realizing your “next big thing,” whether it’s a new strategic initiative, internal policy shift or significant organizational transformation. There’s no fee to participate and no sales pitch at the event.

Click here to see our upcoming topics and request an invitation to our next event.

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