Expert Answers: How Nonprofits Can Navigate March Chaos

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Nonprofits are facing uncertain times now, more than any time since the 2020 COVID pandemic. From funding and regulatory uncertainties to apprehension about their organizations’ future existence, those sitting in the director’s chair feel understandably uneasy.

What can these organizations do in the short term? We talked to three experts in the nonprofit world, whose experience ranges from director to consultant to author, about how boards — and their organizations — can navigate choppy waters now, and in the future.

What's the board's role in times of uncertainty or chaos? What are 1-3 things every board director should be doing right now in response?

Erik Hanberg

With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, and nonprofit leadership, Erik Hanberg, author of The Little Book of Boards and other similar books, runs a website for nonprofits. He has consulted with nonprofits worldwide, facilitated board retreats, and has been invited to be a keynote speaker at nonprofit and association conferences across the country.

“During times of uncertainty or chaos, the board’s most crucial roles are around finances and planning.

“The first task is understanding cash flow. When is the money going in and out? If you suddenly lose money you had previously expected, will you run out? A finance committee can take the lead, but every board member should understand these reports.

“Here’s a quick tutorial on how nonprofit cash flow works for nonprofit directors.

“The second task is scenario-planning. For ease, pick 3 scenarios.

What happens if things go terribly wrong?
What happens if they are merely bad?
What happens if you can get through this mostly OK?

“Finally, a board should look for opportunities in times of uncertainty or chaos. What big change have you long discussed that now seems essential? Is there a new revenue stream you can pivot to? How could you go about your work better than before? Don’t just huddle and hope everything passes. If you can look past the uncertainty, you might find new ideas to help you thrive.”

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Robin Fleming

OnBoard’s Chief Technology Officer joined the organization in June 2024. Prior to her time at OnBoard, she served in technology leadership roles at Aprimo, Teradata, Angie’s List, and most recently, Anvl, which she co-founded and led as CEO. She serves on multiple boards, guiding startups and tech companies toward their strategic goals. Robin is also a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and Extraordinary Women on Boards, reflecting her deep understanding of corporate governance.

“Be a steady, trusted source of support for the CEO and leadership team, enabling them to stay focused on execution. Provide clarity through thoughtful, strategic questioning—especially on how the organization is positioned to adapt, pivot, and respond to rapid change. Reinforce a long-term perspective while navigating immediate challenges.

Here are 3 things directors should be doing right now:

Stay vigilant in reviewing financials, asking clear questions about economic impacts that may affect near-term and long-term business execution.
Ensure a deep understanding of the organization’s cybersecurity posture and risk mitigation plans
Actively engage in discussions on AI strategies, ensuring clarity on both the risks and opportunities AI presents to the business.

Dr. Emilie Socash

Dr. Socash founded the Nonprofit Help Center in 2018 after working for over 20 years in the nonprofit sector. The Center helps nonprofits improve operations, train and sustain people, and achieve their full potential by offering various training and development services, custom learning experiences, and assessments. Dr. Socash launched a nonprofit theater company, built a $50M community foundation, led a community center capital campaign, and revitalized the community perception of a struggling nonprofit. She has a doctorate in organizational and leadership psychology and a Master’s in nonprofit management.

“In times of uncertainty or chaos, a board has the opportunity (and duty!) to provide stability, strategic oversight, and support to ensure the organization stays mission-focused while adapting to evolving challenges. Regardless of the sector, here are 3 things that board members can be doing to navigate shifting landscapes:

Prioritize Adaptive Governance. The board should balance oversight with agility, ensuring leadership has the flexibility to respond quickly while maintaining accountability. This is a great time to revisit risk management plans, scenario planning, and decision-making protocols to avoid obstacles or stagnation in crisis moments.
Strengthen the Executive Partnership. Uncertain times put immense pressure on professional leadership. Board members should actively support the CEO/executive director—not micromanage, but provide guidance, act as thought partners, and show their confidence in the executive’s abilities to handle unique situations. A simple “You got this… but how can I help?” can go a long way.
Stay Mission-Driven, Not Panic-Driven. Crisis often leads to reactionary decision-making. Directors should collectively commit to focus on long-term impact over short-term fixes, ensuring financial and strategic choices align with the organization’s core purpose. Now is the time to double down on clarity—what is essential, what can shift, and how do we remain effective under new conditions?

“Boards that prioritize these three activities will not only weather uncertainty but emerge stronger, as these practices are equally relevant during times of ease.”

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About The Author

Adam Wire: Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.