What should your organization be doing to better position itself to navigate the current season of change? With so many unexpected developments and uncertain implications, now is a good time to take a closer look at the policies and practices that support your mission and operations.
The best place to start is with a general risk management evaluation and a review of your organization’s current policies. Consider where there may be gaps and what policies may need to be modified or added. The following are some key policies and practices to consider.
Strengthening Internal Policies and Safeguards
Your organization should establish clear policies related to protest and civil disobedience, particularly when concerns about violence, property destruction, or terrorism arise. These guidelines should articulate acceptable conduct and provide practical direction for staff and volunteers, helping your organization uphold its commitment to peaceful activism and public safety. In tandem, implementing a robust document management system with well-defined procedures can help ensure that sensitive information is handled securely, efficiently, and with accountability at every stage.
Preparing for Government Visits and International Travel
Another important area to address preparing for situations in which government agents may visit your office. Having a comprehensive plan in place allows staff to respond calmly and appropriately, protecting your organization and its stakeholders from misunderstandings or unnecessary complications. International travel policies are equally vital, as staff and volunteers may represent your organization abroad. These guidelines should address travel safety, compliance with international laws, and risk management strategies to ensure that your organization’s reputation remains intact across borders.
Reviewing Compliance Requirements
Compliance should also remain a key focus, making it important to regularly review regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA), and Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). Understanding and adhering to these laws is not only a legal requirement but also essential for maintaining your organization’s credibility and trustworthiness in the international arena.
Legal Agreements and Governance Documents
On the legal review front, it’s prudent to carefully review relationships with grantees and conduct research when necessary. Assessing grant agreements and solicitations can help ensure that all partnerships align with your mission and legal obligations. Furthermore, your organization’s constitution and bylaws should be revisited and updated regularly to reflect current practices, evolving priorities, and any new legal requirements.
Ultimately, these considerations provide a helpful roadmap for strengthening your not-for-profit’s policies and legal frameworks. By taking proactive steps, your organization can build resilience, credibility, and lasting impact.
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If you have questions about reviewing your organization’s policies or need help assessing areas of risk, contact a CBIZ professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Periods of uncertainty, whether driven by regulatory shifts, geopolitical developments, or operational disruptions, can expose gaps in existing policies. Reviewing policies during times of change helps not-for-profits identify emerging risks, clarify expectations for staff and volunteers, and confirm that governance and compliance frameworks continue to support the organization’s mission. Proactive reviews can also help organizations respond more confidently to unexpected events.
Not-for-profits should focus on policies that directly affect risk management, compliance, and organizational resilience. This may include policies addressing protest activity and civil disobedience, document management and data security, responses to government visits, international travel, and compliance with laws such as FCPA, FEPA, and FARA. Governance documents, grant agreements, and bylaws should also be reviewed regularly to confirm they reflect current operations and legal requirements.
A thoughtful policy review helps not-for-profits move from reactive decision-making to a more structured, consistent approach to risk and governance. Clear, up-to-date policies provide guidance during high-pressure situations, support compliance efforts, and reinforce accountability across the organization. Over time, this process can help build credibility with stakeholders, protect the organization’s reputation, and position leadership to navigate future change more effectively.
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