No one last year could have fully predicted the impact that the economic storm is having on our nation, our world, and on Hawaii. For many businesses, surviving Economic Recession 1.0 (2008-2009) has meant paring down expenses to ride out the storm. However, the fundamentals that drive the economy are also changing, and the landscape will be very different for Economic Recovery 2.0 (2010 and beyond).

Business management that look for the economic 'reset' key will that it will bring them back to a past economic environment that no longer exists. Economic 'recovery' is more about re-inventing your business strategy than a return to the glories of years past.

Organizational Capacity Building Grants - due in JULY
Organizational capacity building (OCB) grants can provide nonprofit organizations with much needed assistance during tough economic times and economic recovery. Unlike programs grants, they are designed to fund projects that provide organizational sustainability that would not otherwise be possible. Some organizations have viewed OCB grants as 'seed' funding to stabilize or increase their resources.

The Hawaii Community Foundation has organizational capacity grants that are due soon - July 15, 2009. Visit Hawaii Community Foundation Organizational Capacity Building Grants and download the application guidelines, program dashboard and matrix. OCB grants will fund sustainability-focused projects in the areas of: governance and leadership, communications, evaluation and impact, fund development, internal operations/management and technology. If you are new to Hawaii Community Foundation grants, contact them directly for assistance with your application.

Read Kelvin Taketa's June 5 article on nonprofit innovation.

By Carole Tang
Chief Communications Officer

Your brand is one of the most important aspects of your business or nonprofit organization-especially in a challenging economy. Knowing who you are, what your promise to customers is, and how to consistently communicate and deliver on that promise is absolutely critical.

In an economic storm, competition intensifies. Whether you're competing for customers or donors, your organization needs to differentiate itself and continue to build strong relationships with clients and supporters. Your brand can help you do this.

By Alan Tang with Liane Hu

On Thursday, June 5th, The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Pacific Business News (PBN) gathered nonprofit organization executives and fundraising professionals for a discussion with four panelists on the economic situation and its affect on fundraising in Hawaii. Unlike the period following the tragic September 11 event in 2001, the current economic impact was not sudden. In fact, the signs were on the horizon from a year ago.

Many agree the fundamentals affecting this economic situation are also quite different from those of September 11. The confluence of increasing energy costs, the demise of airline capacity to Hawaii and the credit market crisis are contributing to what some are calling the 'perfect storm.' Many of the changes we are seeing now are not temporary - they are here to stay.

Click here for the 21 Tips on Surviving an Economic Storm.

By Andrea Maglasang, Communication Manager

For nonprofit organizations, a strong case for support behind any fundraising campaign must be clearly demonstrated at all times. It ultimately convinces donors, and all constituents, that this campaign is the right thing to do, at the right time, for the right reason - and is an important first step in securing a successful gift.

Target Audience + Message / Offer + Channels + Timeliness = RESULTS!
By Natalie Cook, Director of Marketing

Direct marketing is, without a doubt, a marriage of art and science. It keeps your constituents engaged and, if supported by a sound strategy, opens doors for new ones. Direct marketing can be a catalyst for impressive results.

Published in the Association of Fundraising Professional Aloha chapter newsletter
By Natalie Cook, Director of Marketing

Without question, Hawaii's economy is changing. You can see it in the headlines every week and in the eyes of your colleagues. More and more requests are being made of private foundations and corporate funders. As agencies turn to the generous population of Hawaii, how do you boost your appeal program?

Presentation at the 2007 National Philanthropy Day Conference, Tuesday, Nov 13 at Hilo and Thursday, November 15, 2007 on Oahu.