Times are tough, and as nonprofit executives you don’t need me reminding you.  Every day my colleagues and I hear from more and more organizations that are stretching their dollars and reevaluating their programs. Everyone is searching for new funding sources, shifting service delivery and sometimes cutting staff.

Despite all the doom and gloom, I am impressed with the innovation and determination that flows from our town’s savvy nonprofit leaders.  Across every sector—the arts, health, human service, and youth development—executives are re-imagining their work and pushing (successfully) through this economic downturn.

Here are a few tools/tidbits that grantees and I have shared with one another.  Consider them food for thought and hopefully tools for action, as we all try to manage in these challenging times:

•  The 2009 Nonprofit Economic Climate: Managing through the Downturn – Fiscal Management Associates and Nonprofit Finance Fund
  Chockfull of free webinars, pod casts and tip sheets. (Anyone need a recession checklist or cash flow template?) This site is a one-stop shop for the practical manager.
• How Charities Cope with a Troubled Economy – The Chronicle of Philanthropy
  The news might not always be good, but it’s vital to keep posted on national trends.  
• Combating Anxiety with Action – Stanford Social Innovation Review
  Cleveland’s own Mario Marino (Venture Philanthropy Partners) weighs in on how we, as individuals, can spur change.
• Focus on the Economic Crisis – The Foundation Center
  tracks national and local foundations as they announce how their response to the economic crisis. 

What other resources are helping you manage your nonprofit?  Share the wealth and post your tips here.