| Some themes emerged:
The importance of system building in advance of the crisis. Coordinating/backbone organizations like the Montgomery County Food Council, the Primary Care Coalition were already convening system wide partnerships with nonprofit providers. These trusting relationships and established ways of communicating were essential to a quick and comprehensive response.
A strong nonprofit sector can respond quickly. Nonprofits have trusting relationships with the people they serve. Nonprofits were able to get feedback from those most affected by the crisis, and to communicate community needs to funders and the County. Strong and trusting relationships with people served, funders, staff and the County were critical.
Nonprofits are essential partners to County government. Nonprofits were able to innovate and respond to needs; the partnership with the County and ongoing communication were critical to supporting nonprofit efforts. The County’s flexibility with existing contracts allowed nonprofits to respond. County leadership listened to nonprofits and deployed relief funds to meet urgent needs.
The need to take care of staff and ourselves. The sense of urgency makes it hard to step away, and remote work can blur the line between work and home. It is critical to care for staff and encourage them to take breaks, take vacation, focus on health and families. Nonprofit leaders can lead by example. Work towards better balance, and find joy.
The Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will be compiling a report that documents the nonprofit response. More info to follow! |
