As social distancing continues and society is slowly finding its footing in the pandemic, many people are moving from crisis response mode to proactively planning for the future. What does this new normal mean for nonprofits, and specifically, for fundraising?
It may sound cliché, but the bigger the challenge, the bigger the opportunity—and we’re seeing nonprofits innovate with fundraising strategies and techniques to overcome the uncertainty and instability that this pandemic has brought with it.
So, in this piece, we’re sharing seven ideas that shine a spotlight on what fundraisers are thinking about right now and how they’re approaching these unprecedented times. While the shift from panic to progress may look different for every organization, we’ve noticed some common themes emerge in how fundraisers are elevating the relevance of their brands. It may not make the situation any less overwhelming, but hopefully these ideas will be helpful as you chart a new path forward.
What’s Your Event’s Plan C?
With COVID-19 and social distancing mandates in place indefinitely, many nonprofits who rely on fundraising events had to look beyond postponing. Fundraising Expert Chris Cloud explores the pros and cons of “Plan C,” transforming in-person events into virtual events.
The Benefits of Diversifying Revenue
For organizations working toward deep systemic change, the perspectives and programs they cultivate can be uncomfortable for some donors, limiting their funding opportunities. Harlem’s Brotherhood/Sister Sol found ways to diversify their base of support, doubling their revenue in just five years.
A Better Way to Engage Donors Online
Social distancing has severely limited how nonprofits engage with their donors. But by taking a holistic approach to their digital strategies—optimizing their donation pages for mobile and ensuring donate links are readily available on their platforms—organizations can still engage in meaningful ways.
Preventing a Crisis of (Fundraising) Confidence
If crafting the right fundraising messages felt challenging before, that feeling has likely only intensified. But nonprofit communicators shouldn’t let fear prevent them from communicating with their donors. As Bloomerang points out, there’s no rulebook for fundraising in a pandemic.
Pivoting in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Nonprofits who once relied on peer-to-peer fundraising events like walks and bike rides have had to make a sharp pivot to virtual fundraising. It may be too soon to tell how effective they’ve been, but many are proving that it’s certainly possible—and that the same fundraising principles still hold true.
Understanding your Donors Right Now
The economic downturn triggered by the coronavirus has left many donors reassessing their charitable giving. In making decisions about where they put their support in this time, donors are looking for organizations who can provide transparency about how they’ve been impacted and a plan for moving forward.
It’s Time to Rethink Nonprofit Safety Nets
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed weaknesses within the nonprofit sector that perhaps have been hiding in plain sight. Some leaders in the nonprofit community see a direct correlation between the quick financial collapse of so many organizations and a sector-wide tradition of discouraging them from building cash reserves.
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Check out our other Curated Resources such as 7 Resources for Navigating the Coronavirus Pandemic.
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