Be Smart. Be Strategic. Be Resolute. Be Brave.

Some final thoughts from Hildy Simmon’s presentation on what nonprofits need to do (hopefully before you are asked):

• Demonstrate how your board is stepping up – remember governance really matters (and this was before news of the alleged Madoff Ponzi scam broke).
• Show where reductions can be made without harming the underlying integrity of your program.
• Take out the umbrella – today may well be the rainy day you should have been planning for.
• Everyone should check their ego at the door.

Most important, reinforce your base – create the stickiness.