Nonprofit Crises Communications: What to Say When You Don’t Have All the Facts

CRISES HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED! Emmy winning Communicator, Rick DeBruhl, shares his One Page Crisis Communication Plan and why separating the crisis from the communication is vital. What do you say when you don’t have all the facts—but must speak anyway?

In this powerful episode, Brule shares the difference between turbulence and true crisis, the five-step messaging framework every leader needs, and why speed—and truth—matter more than perfection.

You’ll learn:

The difference between crisis and PR problems

How to select and prepare your crisis spokesperson

Why your employees are your best brand ambassadors

How to respond when the facts are still unfolding

Why "you're only as good as your last communication"

🎯 BONUS: Download Richter’s free One-Page Crisis Communication Plan at
richterbrule.com/nps

Whether you're responding to external events or managing internal scandal, this episode gives you the mindset, tools, and language to protect your nonprofit’s reputation with clarity and composure.

00:00:00 Welcome: Rick DeBrule on crisis communication
00:01:31 What defines a crisis vs. turbulence
00:02:56 PR problems vs. real crises: understanding the distinction
00:04:00 Communicating with staff, board, and public in a crisis
00:05:47 Importance of speed and preparedness
00:06:53 One-page crisis communication plan download
00:08:19 Balancing speed and accuracy in response
00:10:23 Who should be on your crisis team
00:12:50 Choosing the right spokesperson
00:13:22 How to speak with limited facts
00:15:18 The 5-step response framework
00:17:21 Digital communication vs. traditional press releases
00:19:10 Misinformation and managing fast-moving crises
00:21:09 Internal vs. external crises
00:23:04 Role of media training and digital interviews
00:24:26 Book highlights and key communication lessons
00:25:49 Final takeaway: You're only as good as your last communication


#CrisisCommunication #NonprofitLeadership #PRCrisis #RichterBrule #CrisisStrategy #TheNonprofitShow