Kate Downing Khaled | Founder & CEO
Did you know that when the Saint Paul Public Library decided to stop enforcing library fines, they actually found more money in their budget?
After they stopped printing overdue notices, paying for postage and envelopes, and devoting staff time towards library fines, they saved a lot of money.
Leadership decided to re-invest that extra money into their community-led, racial equity strategy, because it was that work that led to abolishing fines in the first place.
I love this story because it so clearly illustrates the “return on investment” of community-led strategies — and the transformative power of acting on your values.
And when it comes to acting on your values, a budget is one of your most influential tools.
But I see too many organizations putting community engagement and insights work as the very smallest line item in their budgets, even as those same organizations claim “community-driven” values.
And that’s a shame, because community insights really can be the gateway for compelling, transformative, and yes, LUCRATIVE strategy — if your budget reflects it.
I understand why it often takes organizations a few tries to adequately scope their budget for community-driven strategy. Prioritizing community insights as the most important driver of your organization is usually a brand-new concept for many systems.
And behind those systems are a network of people, who just like all of us, are reluctant to let go of “what we’ve always done.”
“What we’ve always done” could look like:
- Producing a fundraising gala that everyone loves, but never raises more than breaking even.
- Maintaining your organization’s flagship program, even though user engagement is down.
- Working with the same consulting firm because of their brand’s prestige, even though you never refer to their reports more than once.
Sound a little bit familiar? I see this happening in organizations across all sectors, and you’re not alone!
If you feel like your organizational strategy is stale or stuck, pull up the web page where you list your company’s values. Then open another window with your annual budget.
Ask yourself honestly: Can you see those values reflected in your budget? Are you really putting your money where your mouth is? If not, what can you change?
I know that this process is not always as simple as it sounds. It’s really difficult to balance all of your values. And there’s not a template or formula that you can copy and paste.
But here’s a simple truth to keep in mind.
If you hope to develop a strategy based on equitable and non-extractive community insights, you can’t skimp on your budget. The only thing you’ll develop is another stale strategy, and a lot of wasted effort.
Your community, your organization, and even your bottom line all deserve better than that.
Are you trying to put together a budget for community-driven strategy work, but not sure if you’re on the right track? Contact us to get started.
