The world feels unsettled as our news feeds and lives fill with protests against pervasive racial inequity, a powerful and capricious virus that affects nearly everything, and an economy officially in recession. As nonprofits know better than anyone, this is a situation ripe for an increased demand for services while boards of directors and development staff fret over fundraising. Here are some tips to help you and your nonprofit organization raise the money you need.
1) Tell your story well and tell it often. Your donors — both individual and institutional — need to hear how you are making a difference under these unique circumstances. Use a variety of methods — emails, social media, videos, Zoom calls, phone calls, etc. While it’s always important to be a good donor steward, it’s especially critical in uncertain times like these.
2) A matching gift can boost fundraising efforts. Perhaps your board will chip in to create a matching gift fund. Perhaps a long-term contributor will agree to a matching fund. The prospect of doubling a donation may help motivate on-the-fence supporters.
3) Avoid emergency, desperate requests for funds. You may not be sleeping as you obsessively pore over spreadsheets, but this is not the moment to share your anxiety with an anguished plea for money. Convey realistic optimism rather than panic.
4) Don’t pre-judge your supporters. Don’t assume they no longer have funds to give or won’t appreciate hearing from you. Give your contributors the chance to show you how much they treasure your organization’s mission.
5) Focus your time and efforts on current or past donors.because some organizations, especially those not providing direct coronavirus or racial inequity services, may find it more difficult to attract new donors right now.
The last three months have shown how many organizations are continuing to raise money effectively. Some are even surpassing their goals … and not just disaster relief organizations. Some of our clients’ events are hitting record highs, and some are getting generous grants. Unfortunately, some nonprofits are still having a tough time. Recovery will be an ever-evolving process so stay nimble — and ask.