Stop the Deer-in-Headlights

Are you feeling paralyzed by uncertainty? It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of “wait and see.” But in philanthropy, inaction can be just as detrimental as a misstep.

I’ve spoken with countless foundation CEOs, board members, and philanthropists who are frozen, unable to move forward. They’re delaying critical decisions, waiting for a hypothetical “clarity” that may never arrive. This “deer-in-the-headlights” syndrome is a dangerous trap, and it’s time to knock it off.

Why Planning Matters, No Matter What:

Let’s be clear: life throws curveballs. Political climates change, economic tides shift, and unexpected events occur. But your philanthropic goals shouldn’t be held up by these variables.

• Succession Planning: If your executive director is nearing retirement, a succession plan is non-negotiable, regardless of who occupies the presidential office.
• Strategic Giving: Want to move beyond guilt-driven donations? A strategic plan provides focus and purpose, irrespective of current events.
• Intentional Family Giving: To give with intention, a family giving plan is essential, no matter the global climate.

The Power of a Plan:

A plan provides clarity and direction. It aligns your team, optimizes resources, and ensures everyone works together toward a shared goal. Without a plan, you’re unsure if you’re even heading in the right direction.

Taking Action:

1. Create Your Plan Now: Don’t wait. Within the next month, develop your plan, whether it’s starting a foundation, sunsetting one, or crafting a corporate giving strategy.
2. Identify Top Priorities: Pinpoint your top three implementation priorities and start taking action immediately.
3. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular meetings (every 4-8 weeks) to review progress and make necessary adjustments. Ask yourselves:
   • What progress have we made?
   • Has anything changed that requires adjustments?
   • What adjustments should we make?
4. Embrace Flexibility: Plans are meant to be adaptable. Expect changes and be prepared to make course corrections.

Don’t Let Fear Win:

Those who want you to be afraid, to freeze, are counting on your inaction. But you won’t let it happen. You will create plans, implement them, and adapt as needed.

If you need help putting that plan together and looking past the uncertainty that’s paralyzing you, then reach out to me for a consultation, and let’s figure it out together.

Kris Putnam-Walkerly

@krisputnamwalkerly

??  Don’t let uncertainty keep you stuck! Your philanthropic impact shouldn’t be on hold just because of political chaos. It’s time to move forward with confidence. Here’s how:  ?? If your executive director is retiring soon ? You need a succession plan. ??? If you want to be more strategic in your giving ? You need a strategic plan. ??? If you’re tired of giving out of guilt ? You need a family giving plan.  A philanthropy plan gives you: ?? Clarity & direction ?? ?? Alignment with your team & resources ?? ?? A way to measure progress ??  Action Steps: ??? Create your philanthropic plan in the next 30 days. ??? Identify your top 3 priorities and start implementing. ??? Meet every 4-8 weeks to review progress & adjust as needed.   The world is uncertain. Your philanthropic vision doesn’t have to be. Keep moving forward! ????  #Philanthropy #PhilanthropicGiving #PhilanthropyPlan #GivingWithIntention #StrategicGiving #FamilyPhilanthropy #NonprofitLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #ImpactDriven #MakeADifference #Philanthropist #CorporatePhilanthropy #FamilyGivingPlan #delusionalaltruism

? original sound – Kris Putnam-Walkerly