Fundraising in a Challenging Economy Did you sign in and take a handout packet? Please turn off your cell phones! Welcome to the Foundation Center’s

Poll: Effects of the Economic Downturn Lost sources of funding Lost earned income Fewer programs and services Reduced staff Reduced salaries More time devoted to fundraising Increased demand for our services New programs introduced to address the impact of the crisis on our community New collaborations with other nonprofits New/additional funding received to address needs related to the economy

What You Will Learn Today How to position your organization for fundraising to survive and thrive in the current economic climate How to adapt your fundraising approaches to the current environment Additional considerations to assist your organization to succeed Helpful resources

Positioning Your Organization for Fundraising in the Current Economic Climate

Your Organization’s Mission A mission statement describes the purpose of the organization Stay true to your mission in challenging times, no matter what

Your Organization’s Mission, continued Economic crisis as an opportunity What about your mission is of particular relevance in this economy? How can you capitalize on that connection to attract funders?

Your Organization’s Core Activities Identify your organization’s mission- critical, core activities Define the populations your organization’s core activities serve and your impact on them

Full Engagement of Your Board Reaffirm the role of the board Obtain renewed commitment from board members Involve the board in fundraising/donor engagement

Keep Fundraising! If you don’t ask, you don’t get Refine your message Keep your best supporters “in the fold” Focus on your strongest funding streams, and carefully consider new sources

Raising Funds in a Challenging Economy

Current environment Decline in first-time givers Decline in direct mail responses for some organizations More giving in smaller amounts Most not changing overall giving Individual Giving

Raising Funds from Individuals Stay in touch with your donors Communicate the challenges as well as what you are doing to mitigate them Emphasize the results Ensure financial transparency Build on/enhance donor relationships

Raising Funds from Individuals, continued Special events Try joint events with other nonprofits Consider simpler events Lower your expenses, not ticket prices Stay with what worked in the past

Foundation Giving Current environment Most foundations lost 20–30% of their assets Giving is likely to continue to decline next year How foundations respond will vary

Raising Funds from Foundations Current donors –Take advantage of their increased receptivity to communication –Investigate any new initiatives/priorities Prospects –Research thoroughly –Utilize board connections

Corporate Giving Current environment Some companies have taken a hit, but not across the board Fewer and smaller cash grants Partnerships with nonprofits still perceived as valuable

Securing Contributions from Corporations Seek out any and all contacts at corporations Ask for “in-kind” gifts Explore corporate volunteer programs Emphasize how giving to you benefits the corporation and its customers

Government Funding Budget shortfalls have led to funding declines Stay abreast of pending legislation Keep an eye on opportunities under the Stimulus package For more information:

foundationcenter.org/focus/economy/

Additional Considerations for Your Organization to Survive and Thrive in a Challenging Time

Use Technology Wisely Draw new audiences to your cause Acquire new donors Make donating to your organization easy Show that your organization is current and vibrant Send targeted communications For more information:

Collaborations Consider joint programming with other organizations Contract out for certain projects/programs Use others’ services to obtain mutual benefit Join a nonprofit association for special membership benefits

Strategic Alliances and Mergers Share office space with another organization Share the costs of maintenance activities with others in the same building Utilize outsourcing solutions for back office operation Consider a strategic alliance or merger

Summing Up Position your organization to take on fundraising to survive and thrive in the current economic climate –Stay true to your mission and capitalize on your special relevance to your audiences –Focus on your mission-critical, core activities –Obtain renewed commitment from your board and involve them fully in fundraising/donor engagement –Fundraise, fundraise, fundraise! Adapt your fundraising approaches to the current funding environment; focus on your strongest funding streams; try out new approaches with caution Keep an eye on other ways to assist your organization to succeed, such as wise use of technology, collaborations, strategic alliances and mergers

For More Information Resource list on nonprofits and economic downturn is available at: topical/econ_crisis.html

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