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Eat healthy, exercise more, save money-sound resolutions, all. How many of us will still be at it after January? Surveys suggest that somewhere on the order of 80 percent of resolutions fail. This may explain why 30–day challenges have become popular, and in many cases have replaced the yearlong commitment of a New Year’s resolution.
A quick online search turns up dozens of articles for nonprofits and New Year’s resolutions. Most give sound perennial advice: a) resolve to personally thank your donors this year; b) review your bylaws; c) update your website and archives with new material. We couldn’t agree more. We also stand by our own year-end Sensible Risk Resolutions.
How does one make a sensible resolution regarding risk? Resolution implies resolve, but also something to be completed. Risk, on the other hand, is a measure of the possibility that the future may be surprisingly different from what we expect. Change is built into the process of strategic risk management. Each of these surprising events will hold threats of loss and opportunities for gain that are inherent in a less than predictable, and therefore risky, world. How to reconcile that fact with being resolute?
Resolution can also mean bringing something into focus, as in cinema photography. The term “pull focus” is a camera technique in which the focus is changed during a shot. Usually this means adjusting or shifting focus from one subject to another. Most nonprofits report that they are constantly seeking and evaluating new opportunities to positively change the lives of their clients or the health and welfare of a community. This constant state of adjustment by the nonprofit necessitates a continuing review of strategic risk management strategies to make certain they remain viable and appropriate given the new circumstances facing the organization.
It’s possible we have too much engagement with our shortcomings, not enough reflection on what is already in place. It may not be necessary to change with the New Year, but to redouble your efforts, take stock, recalibrate. In other words, resolve to stay the course.
What will keep you prolific in the coming year? As you formulate your list of risk management goals for the organization you will serve, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the Nonprofit Risk Management Center for assistance. We can help in a number of ways, from drafting or revising risk management policies to designing custom training programs. We also offer free technical assistance and resources, as well as affordable and easy to use online tools such as an independent Risk Assessment and enlightened risk taking.
What will be the greatest lessons learned at your organization in 2019? Share them with us in the year ahead. We look forward to hearing from you.
“First let me congratulate you on a conference well done. I had a great time at the Nonprofit Employee Benefits Conference and walked away with some valuable tools and questions that we’ll need to be addressing in both the short and long term. Thanks to you and your staff for all you do to provide us with quality resources in support of our missions.”
“BBYO’s engagement of the Center to conduct a risk assessment was one of the most valuable processes undertaken over the past five years. Numerous programmatic and procedural changes were recommended and have since been implemented. Additionally, dozens (literally) of insurance coverage gaps were identified that would never have been without the work of the Center. This assessment led to a broker bidding process that resulted in BBYO’s selection of a new broker that we have been extremely satisfied with. I unconditionally recommend the Center for their consultative services.
“Melanie Herman has provided expert, insightful, timely and well resourced information to our Executive Team and Board of Directors. Our corporation recently experienced massive growth through merger and the Board has been working to better integrate their expanded set of roles and responsibilities. Melanie presented at our Annual Board of Director’s Retreat and captured the interest of our Board members. As a result of her excellent presentation the Board has engaged in focused review which is having immediate effects on governance.”
“The Nonprofit Risk Management Center has been an outstanding partner for us. They are attentive to our needs, and work hard to successfully meet our requests for information. Being an Affiliate member gave us access to so many time- and money-saving resources that it easily paid for itself! Nonprofit Risk Management Center is truly a valued partner of The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and we are continuously able to optimize staff time with the support given by their team.”
“The board and staff of the Prince George’s Child Resource Center are extremely pleased with the results of the risk assessment conducted by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. A thorough scan revealed that while we are a well run organization, we had risks that we never imagined. We are grateful to know that we have now minimized our organizational risks and we recommend the Center to other nonprofits.”
Great American Insurance Group’s Specialty Human Services is committed to protecting those who improve your communities. The Center team has committed to delivering dynamic risk management solutions tailored to nonprofit organizations. These organizations have many and varied risk issues, hence the need for specialized coverage and expert knowledge for their protection. We’ve had Melanie speak on several occasions to employees and our agents. She is always on point and delivers such great value. Thank you for the terrific partnership and allowing our nonprofits to focus on their mission!