Communication is key
It is important that you keep lines of communication open to all parties. This includes your leadership, staff, donors, volunteers, and partners.

External Communication
Since face to face meetings are not ideal under current circumstances use social media and email to keep your key audiences informed of any changes or updates. This is a great time to use social media to increase engagement since people will be tapping into their social networks looking for any information. Take the opportunity to become a credible source of news not only for your organization but for your entire community.  You can be a voice for people in need. 

Internal Communication
If your staff and volunteers are having to work remotely utilize tools in Office 365 to keep everyone on the same page. Microsoft Teams and Skype are platforms that are built for collaboration and both can be utilized to keep projects moving forward as well as help you and your staff stay on the same page. Virtual meetings will replace in-person meetings and luckily you can rely on GoToMeeting or Zoom for staff or external meetings. Zoom has a free version that has a robust feature set. 

Communication Response
Designate a staff member to respond to inquiries internally and externally regarding the Coronavirus. This will ensure that your message is clear and consistent with all parties. 

• Reach out to major donors to discuss your immediate needs and how you plan to continue in the short term 
• Stay active and keep the engagement going on social media, email and over the phone. If you keep communicating people and donors will listen and then respond.
• Review what you have in reserve and talk to your bank about an emergency line of credit
• Look at areas where you can reduce costs or cut back