Major Gifts in this economy?
I believe that raising major gifts in this economy is still possible. However, it will be the organizations committed to a strong culture of development that will survive and thrive. Here are five keys to help you keep your head.
1) Focus your communication on mission and effective results. That’s why people give in the first place.
2) Report on the lives that have been saved or changed because of your organization.
3) Respect the reality that your major donors may have lost a substantial percentage of their assets. They still want to give, and are hurting that they can’t give as they did in the past.
4) Find inexpensive expressions of your gratefulness to your donors. A simple email or personal letter letting them know you appreciate their circumstances will go a long way.
5) Continue cultivating new relationships with no expectation of an immediate contribution.
Let me know what you’ve done to thrive in this economic downturn
Comments
While most organizations are experiencing financial difficulties, we all want to back winners. Organizations should continue to focus on their mission and what they are doing that no one else, including big government, can accomplish. Some non-profits are needed now more than ever due to the challenges many people are facing. Many non-profits have operated on a show-string budget for years, finding innovative ways to stretch a dollar, use volunteers, and maximize limited resources. These stories should be told. What an encouragement to know that some organizations actually turn over as many dollars as possible to the needy, rather than giving big bonuses to already highly paid executives.
March 17th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
What do you think about organizations that send letter after letter of bleeding heart stories, talking about the economy. If they were doing as bad as they said in the first letter, I doubt they would be around to send another 5 letters with the same message. How should we mix it up, so we’re not always sending depressing messages but instead talk about the hope that thier gift can bring during these trying times.