“Hope is Not a Strategy…Managing During Good Times and Bad” 11 th Annual Connecting for Children’s Justice Conference Nancy Chandler, ACSW CEO Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Atlanta, GA

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Do you remember what caused the recession? Recession of Began in December, 2007 The economic environment  Housing bubble (low interest rates)  Regulatory failure (credit default swaps etc.)  Financial crisis  Failure of financial institutions  Credit crunch  Plunging home prices  Record foreclosures –first wave from loose lending second from unemployment

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy How did this effect non-profits? Squeezed between rising demands and fewer resources In 2009, 60% of surveyed human services organizations were cutting expenses, including cutting services and/or staff due to shortages. The type of human service agency most likely to be under funded were those serving children and youth. Foundations lost 40% of their investment portfolio. Perception was (and still is) that there are too many non-profits. Margins for success are razor-thin.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Now that we have pulled out of the recession, how should you be preparing for the future? Managing – first of all, you must have your own stuff together. You must be a savvy non-profit leader. Constantly scan the environment for trends  Have any foundations that you work with changing their focus? Stay current on the economy – what’s happening in your local area. Be open minded to change. Lead and manage.  Lead by example Build transparency. Anticipate events Know the guideposts (revenue or expenses) that will help you know when you need to begin a change.

Diversity of Funding Streams Source of FundingPercentage State and Federal45% Foundations30% Special Events13% Local5% Individuals3% Corporations2% Organizations2% Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Potential Legislative Advocacy Funding for Forensic Interviews PSSF VOCA State Funding Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

What are the keys to managing through difficult times? Managing Mission Laser like focus Who ever tells the best story “wins”. In times of trouble many will suggest you cut back on some area of operation Key Performance Measures – Outcomes – What % of change was there because of something specific we did. Results based strategic plan.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy What are some of the keys to managing a great CAC? People Management Effective Communication – often, honest, real This is where we are; We’re doing everything we can, and these are the steps we are taking. Model good coping skills Allow employees opportunities to discuss Effective Employee involvement If you must cut back, think through all possible strategies to determine best response.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy If you must cut back… Hiring freezes Wage freezes Postponement of wage increases Reducing fringe benefits Work furloughs Reducing work hours with proportional pay cuts Five stages of grief Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Engage your Board of Directors You have to be in control of the process…or Board will do it for you. Frequent meetings with Finance Committee, Executive Committee Scenario planning for them Figure out each of your possible options and think through the effect of each on the organization before you go into the meeting.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Money, money, money! Managing Money First of all, know your budget inside and out. You should know every item on your accounts payable sheet. What is it, what is it for, is it recurring, etc. Make sure you ok every expense. You should be aware of every dollar coming into the agency. What is it for, is it restricted?

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy Managing Money Make sure that you are getting correct numbers from your accountant/accounting staff. Look at each expense item…nice to have or imperative. Be ready to challenge staff. It may be in the budget, but that doesn’t mean there is money to pay for it. Create a cash flow projection…get help if you need it. Cash is King.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy What are the other keys to managing? Managing Performance Measure results, evaluate program success, and create clear expectations for performance. High performance starts and ends with Mission.

Georgia Center for Child Advocacy What do you do next? Think about the future and what the organization might look like. How it might need to look/or how it should look. Expect surprises. Challenge assumptions. How to deal with uncertainty… Venture forth, step by step, updating information, planning for contingencies