Crisis Communications Plan
[Nonprofit Name]
Last updated:
Introduction
Purpose and objectives of your organization’s crisis communications plan.
Crisis Management Team
NAME, TITLE
ROLE
EMAIL
PHONE
CEO
spokesperson
boss@savetheskunks.org
555-555-5555
Hierarchy for
information share
Crisis team member
lead
Crisis
communications
platforms
High
Human Resources
Email, Text
Executive Staff
Programs
Human Resources
Communications/PR
Social Media Manager
Web Developer
Graphic designer
Audiences and Stakeholders
Staff
Board members
Clients
Partners
Donors
Media
Public
Response Plan
Expand on the following:
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Crisis scenarios for each audience and the five types of crisis, including how the audience may
react and how your organization may respond.
Boilerplate for initial response. This should cover an acknowledgment of crisis, a brief description
of the occurrence, specific actions taken in response, and contact for more information
Material development that may be needed, like factsheets and signage
Technology you will employ for crisis communications
Ongoing communications plan during the length of the crisis, including platforms used and
frequency of messages.
Monitoring plan, including social media and the press
Documentation guidelines
Messaging Guidelines
Expand on the following:
DO'S
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Respond ASAP, even when we don’t have all the information.
Be transparent.
Be factual.
Lead with our values.
Be cautious.
DONT'S
● Don't go silent.
● Don't use scare tactics.
● Don't be an expert if we're not one.
Post-Crisis Assessment
Include a shortlist of assessment questions that will help you adapt and change your crisis plan.
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Were crisis communication team members equipped and trained for their role?
Were audience responses different than expected?
What additional messaging and materials would have been helpful to have on hand?