Quick Tips for Record Fundraising Results in 2010

KimGross — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:24:53 +0000

Many non-profits are bracing themselves for yet another dismal fundraising year. Economic analysts are showing a grim prognosis on what to expect in the coming months. How is it, then, that some non-profits are experiencing increases in their participation and dollar levels? Donors are still giving – and some are even giving quite generously. The challenge becomes finding them not only at the right time, but in the right way.

It has been said that those companies and organizations that come out on top after the recession will be those that embrace change and spend even more time and resources on their marketing and branding than they did prior to the economic downturn. Traditional methods alone will not be enough to get you out of the slump and on top as one of the more successful philanthropic organizations at the end of this fiscal year.

There are many publicity avenues out there – and the most successful organizations are utilizing them all. Direct Mail, Internet, E-mail, Social Media, Phonathons – careful integration and strategic execution of all of these pieces are needed to grow fundraising revenues and boost participation rates. Here are several tips on how to get started:

1. Don’t eliminate direct mail – it still works. With many organizations cutting back on direct mail, it won’t be as challenging to get your piece to stand out from the ‘clutter.’
2. Update your website with current messaging, imagery and offers that are being addressed in direct mail pieces.
3. Select one or two social media sites and update them regularly – nothing is worse than an outdated social media site. Make sure you remain current.

Golden Age of Philanthropy, Is It Over?

KimGross — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:40:06 +0000

There are some interesting dynamics occurring in the philanthropy world today. Many have deemed the past several years the ‘golden age’ for philanthropy – and that may quickly be coming to an end. An article written by Kathryn Masterson of The Chronicle of Philanthropy quoted several well respected professionals, and the consensus was that while philanthropy will not be going away, the way in which we fundraise is going to look completely different as we continue into the recession.

Bruce R. McClintock, Vice President for Resource Development at Rice University did an analysis on where campaign dollars are currently coming from and where they will be coming from in the near future. The charts below indicate those changes, and as we can see, there will be more reliance on the middle and lower end donors to compensate for a larger portion of the overall fundraising dollars. What does this shift mean for you as a fundraiser? It means that more cultivation is being required for existing ‘high potential donors’, current non-donors and new alumni or prospects.

All of this is happening in a time when budgets are being cut and staff is being eliminated. The phrase ‘do more with less’ seems to be floating around offices all throughout the country. Think about ways in which your staff can redirect funds to focus on these segments and what would happen if you fail to do so.

Source: Kathryn Masterson. “Colleges Will See a Decline in Megagifts, Experts Predict”. The Chronicle
of Philanthropy 13 July 2009.

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Quick Tips for Record Fundraising Results in 2010

Golden Age of Philanthropy, Is It Over?