How NFPs are adapting for long-term survival

In a dystopian world, not-for-profit groups would disappear, and the void would consume those who needed assistance the most.

This dark vision might seem far-fetched, but without strong relationships between the corporate sector and NFPs, it would be impossible for these vital organisations to help those who needed them the most.

Some of Western Australia’s leading operators ponder what needs to occur to ensure their long-term survival.

Thinking outside the box

As if it were not enough that the cost of living continued to rise, we also had to navigate the pandemic and its associated challenges.

NFPs and the corporate sector were not immune to being buffeted by the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

RMHC WA chief executive Peter King has witnessed a steady shift recently between various sectors to unite in a shared purpose and impetus towards a wholesale change.

“COVID has been a significant catalyst for this,” Mr King said.

“It highlighted the essential role of the NFP sector when life as we knew it became vulnerable and uncertain.

“Importantly, our sector collectively demonstrated the innovativeness and agility of its leaders and workforce to sustain core service and solve new problems.

“Now that we’re emerging and adapting to the pandemic, the opportunity is to further advance how tri-sector relationships can accelerate change economically, socially and environmentally.”

To achieve this, Mr King believes we need to rethink NFP partnerships beyond funding. 

“It’s about removing sector silos to bring our experts together in the business of solving challenges for our communities and environments,” he said.

Change creates opportunities

Similarly, Foodbank WA is approaching its effort with new thinking to feed an increasing customer base.

“Zero Hunger is one of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030,” chief executive Kate O’Hara said.

“In line with this, our aim is to change the dial with what we do.

“Though our services, we hope to be able to provide a safety net for those people who want to get back on their feet and avoid living with poverty and hunger.

“A step back from this would be to have the ability and funds to establish branches and various services as and where they are needed.”

Foodbank WA is considering expansion into WA’s north-west, a move that has been on the table for some time.

However, it’s an expansion that cannot occur in isolation.

There are additional difficulties in logistics because of the region’s vast distances.

“We cannot establish services in any town without the right partnerships and funding to make the expansion meaningful and feasible,” Ms O’Hara said.

“Similarly, we have been working on creating a Guardians of WA Endowment Fund.

“We are targeting a $25 million endowment fund that will enable us to ensure no family experiences food insecurity or food poverty.”

The endowment project started during economic uncertainty of COVID, and the organisation recognised the need to establish a more secure financial base.

“The decision to create an endowment fund ensures we can continue to deliver essential programs and support Western Australians even when our funding changes,” Ms O’Hara said.

“This fund will become our financial backbone that will ensure we will be in community for the long term.”

A healthy NFP ecosystem means a better society

RMHC WA’s Mr King believes the wellbeing of children and families is inherent to the wellbeing of community.

“Families with seriously or chronically ill children in our care can experience significant financial and emotional burden affecting their wellbeing, family life and future plans,” Mr king said. 

“These are hard-working families from across the state that are an important part of their community.

“In the last year, through robust impact measurement, we’ve been able to understand the problems our families experience at a much deeper level. 

“We’ve been able to identify the value in our family centred care and education support but also the need to do more.”

The story of NFPs like RMHC WA are never-ending. Funding is always top of the agenda to ensure its services can be delivered with reliability and security.

“With more families reaching out to us each year beyond our capacity, RMHC WA must double its capacity in the coming years,” Mr King said. 

“Through our impact analysis, we will also explore how we best innovate, align and collaborate across the sectors to change wellbeing outcomes and, potentially, the future for families in our care.”