Spokes Symposium 2021

How to Survive and Thrive in Times of Crisis

April 13, 20, and 27

12:00–1:30 PM

Given the number of nonprofit organizations and the finite fundraising opportunities that exist, organizations are competing for scarce resources during the best of times.

Now, faced with a significant economic downturn and major disruptions to their operations, many nonprofits are struggling. Many need to re-evaluate and streamline their business models. Some could, and possibly should, decide to consolidate their operations with like-minded entities—as Spokes itself is doing!

The 2021 Symposium will bring together experts in the field and veterans from the trenches to confront these issues head on through a combination of presentations and panel discussions.

Topics in this three-part webinar series include:

• Taking stock of your financial health and viability
• Collaboration for long-term success
• Nuts and bolts of forming collaborations

Why should I attend?

Different challenges
The COVID crisis has affected our area nonprofits differently. Many are struggling to maintain basic services. Some, such as performing arts venues, cannot operate at all. For nonprofits in these circumstances, the challenge is to stay solvent. For some fortunate others, the financial resources are there, but the challenge is finding the “bandwidth” to ramp up and add programs in response to new demands posed by the crisis.

Taking Stock
Regardless of the challenges your organization faces, the Symposium offers help and guidance. No matter your financial situation, setting aside time to take a hard, informed look at your business plan is crucial to your long-term viability. Session 1 will prepare you to do that.

Is it smart to go it alone?
In times of crisis, perhaps not. There are various ways organizations can support and complement one another. It may be something as simple as sharing space or staff. It could be the services offered by your highly specialized nonprofit would be more sustainable as a program under the umbrella of a larger organization. On the flip side, if your organization is experiencing growing pains, there may be a nonprofit out there already offering a program much like what you want to offer yourself. What kind of partnership might work to everyone’s advantage? Find out in Session 2.

Nuts and Bolts
Intrigued by ideas from Session 2 but you don’t know where to begin? Whether it’s sharing resources, forming alliances, acquiring programs, merging, or simply winding down your nonprofit, Session 3 will provide expert and experienced guidance.

Save the dates now and sign up for our Spokes newsletter to get updates on Symposium speakers, the registration process, and other details. Bookmark this page as it will also be updated regularly.

Spokes Symposium 2021 is grateful for the financial support of the City of San Luis Obispo and promotional support from the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce.

Note: The Spokes Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to dissolve Spokes later in 2021. In the meantime, we look forward to hosting the Symposium and offering other programs that advance our mission: Guiding nonprofits to achieve their goals through support and expert resources.