Closing your charity can be kind

In case you need to hear this: closing your charity can be the kind thing to do.

Now is a really hard time for charities.

Demand for support is way up, but avaliable funding is way, way down. This means endless funding application, burnt-out volunteers, and worried staff.

I know because we’ve been there.

One year ago, we decided to close the Shift Foundation - a youth development organisation run for 7 years to improve the wellbeing of young Wellington woven through physical activity.

To this day, I’m so glad we did.

We had to ask ourselves:

• can we sustain our impact without compromising our values?

• What will staying open cost our team?

• What’s the kindest way forward?

• Could we close now, well?

With hindsightm I can confidently say it would not have been kind to navigate this funding funding environment, squeeze our community for putea, or deliver subpar support to young women.

Instead, by bowing out, we were able to reduce competition in a crowded sector, on-gift our remaining funding, and make space for others to survive. So, if your charity is struggling:

Please, don’t be afraid to be kind to yourselves.

Closing does not end the good you’ll do. It might even create space for something new 🌱

If you’re wanting some help to plan and prioritise your energy, see how I can help or get in touch.