Things to do in August
In more typical times, August can be a quiet month, a time to take stock and plan ahead. This is far from a typical year, though. Many charities and organisations have, understandably, been focused on fire-fighting and short-term solutions to the pandemic. Whatever situation your organisation is in, there are steps you can take to consider and invest in the longer-term.
Here are 12 things you can do in August:
- Thank donors and key stakeholders, letting them know the difference their support has made
- Review what you’ve learned during the pandemic, from user needs to new delivery methods, and consider whether/how you can integrate new ways into your ongoing programmes
- Take time out to ask yourself and colleagues around you: what are the priorities for your organisation?
- Focus on what’s important rather than urgent
- Look externally. With significant recent changes to everyone’s operating environment, undertake analysis, such as PESTLE and take a look at what other charities are doing
- Consider partnerships. Are there new opportunities to work with other organisations?
- Invest in donor research, whether that’s a survey to find out what matters most to our donors, or time segmenting your database to focus on those with greatest potential
- Organise a team away day (even if its virtual) to set goals and plan ahead
- Don’t forget training and development. Has your team/organisation got the skills it needs? Do you need external guidance to help you take on new responsibilities or make the most of new opportunities?
- Confirm when and how your organisation will review and set strategy. Do you need to make adjustments to your usual process? What preparatory work needs to happen?
- Invest in staff resiliency – the impact of the pandemic on wellbeing and mental health has been significant. Webinars about mental health and developing resiliency can support staff.
- Take a break – ensure you and all staff have planned time off.
