4 Ways to Overcome the Summer Stakeholder Shutdown

Beach brain. We all know it. It’s that delightful part of summer where our thoughts are less on third-quarter projections and more about whether the sunscreen actually reached our shoulder blades (It didn’t). It’s also why I submitted this column late and why it’s so difficult to engage nonprofit stakeholders at this time of year. 

For nonprofit leaders, the endless parade of barbecues and beach reads can feel like a strategic desert. Board members and stakeholders vanish into the ether, major donors have us on auto-reply, and our projections sheet has more questions than your 3-year-old nephew. 

But here’s the thing: While everyone else is chasing ice cream trucks, you have an unparalleled opportunity. Summer isn’t just a time for disconnection; it’s a golden window for reconnection if the beach ball bounces the right way. Let’s explore some tips on how to engage our stakeholders during summer doldrums. 

1. Lean into the ‘Overlap’ Economy

The “why” is simple: People are already doing things they love. The “how” involves finding intersections between their summer leisure and your mission. Don't fight the current; swim with it.

A nonprofit I spoke with on Cape Cod hosts its largest event smack dab in the middle of August. The organization’s big summer engagement move? An outdoor paddle raise hosted at a farm that overlooks the marsh. It’s not just a fundraiser — it’s an experience. 

Board members and other major stakeholders aren't asked to attend a stuffy gala. They're invited to a 90-minute event that feels like an extension of their own summer plans: A beautiful setting, oysters and a shared passion for the environment. It taps into that "I’m already here enjoying myself" vibe, making engagement feel less like an obligation and more like a natural part of their vacation. The genius is in the overlap: they're on Cape Cod for the summer anyway, enjoying the very beauty the org works to protect.

2. The Micro-Engagement Movement

Your "why" here is to combat attention scarcity. The "how" is to break down engagement into bite-sized, low-commitment, high-impact interactions. Forget hour-long Zoom calls and think five-minute bursts of brilliance.

Inspired by beach readers everywhere — ditch full board meetings or committee calls and curate a 10-minute virtual reading packet with creative stories of impact that your board can read on vacation. It can be your organization’s chance to initiate a summer reading list of relevant articles, asking for one-sentence takeaways from each board member. 

This tactic isn’t only for boards. There’s a children’s charity in New York that sends out impact postcards during summer months — glossy, visually rich updates that share a specific win or a child's success story. It's a quick, tangible reminder of their investment without demanding a deep dive.

3. Cultivate the Behind-the-Scenes Vibe

Drop the usual Zoom meeting or virtual coffee chat and take the stakeholders along for an informal glimpse into the day-to-day magic that happens when things slow down. Maybe it's a tour of a facility that's undergoing renovation, a meet-and-greet with new summer interns or a "walk-through" of an upcoming program. 

I came across an organization that charters a funk bus for donors to visit economic development projects and includes hard-hat tours. There’s another nonprofit that provides stakeholders with a tour of temporary living facilities for families fighting cancer. 

4. The ‘No-Ask, Just Connect’ Principle

Don’t ask for anything. Instead try these tactics of just letting your stakeholders know you’re thinking of them.

The "Thought of You" Email or Note. Did you read an article about new trends in their specific industry? Send it with a quick, "Thought you might find this interesting." No need to tie it back to your mission. Just share, genuinely.

The Specific Thank You. Recall a specific contribution they made earlier in the year — maybe they introduced you to someone, offered a valuable piece of advice or went above and beyond. Send a quick, personalized note saying, "Just reflecting on what you did for me and wanted to thank you again. Be specific. Be sincere. Be brief.

The Purely Personal Check-in. Who still has a class yearbook from 30 years ago? What’s the most common thing written in it? “Have a great summer!” It’s not what our friends wrote. It’s how they made us feel. You can do the same with just a short: "Hope you're having a fantastic summer!” The goal isn't a long dialogue, just a friendly ping.

So, stay hydrated, don’t spend too much time in the sun and remember: Summer isn't a time for your mission to hibernate. It’s a prime opportunity to transform "beach brain" into "stakeholder gain." It just takes a little strategic sunshine and human connection.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.