On-line Fundraising Can we do it in this bad economy? YES WE CAN! (or at least we can try…)

On-line Fundraising: Here’s the Buzz! “The number one reason donors say they give online is convenience: it is easier than writing a check.” (Taken from The Young and The Generous ) Online fundraising has come into its own …..The instant worldwide coverage of 9/11, the Indonesian tsunami, and Hurricane Katrina has plunged the nonprofit world into a universe of tragedy and the need to raise funds quickly and broadly. …only the Internet provides a way for donors and potential supporters to respond at their convenience. The Web offers an excellent opportunity to cast a wider net to better communicate with current donors and reach out to new ones.

E-Philanthropy Strategy for Nonprofits When you add a secure donation page to your Web site, you leverage the power of the Internet to: Attract new donors at a much lower cost. Generate higher average donations. Reach a more diverse group of people Reduce processing costs. Access money faster.

What are the Economic Effects on Philanthropy? (on-line or otherwise) Tech soup website- Excellent articles : –Tips for Weathering the Economic Storm –Economic Climate and Giving –Resilient Philanthropy –A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy –Giving During Recessions –Surviving Hard Times: A Guide for Cultural Organizations

Personal Experience Give locally rather than to national organizations Give a bit less Give to organizations I am very familiar with (legal aid partners) and know they are experiencing cuts Give to NPR!

Tips for Weathering the Economic Storm Be pro-active Be alert Be discriminating Be flexible Be resolute Be observant

Giving During Recessions The most important step a charitable organization can take to raise funds during a recession or downturn is to ask people for contributions in a clear and focused manner. Make a plan; have 100% giving from your Board. Focus efforts on renewing gifts from current donors Maximize the use of all fundraising tactics available. This can include: thank you calls made by volunteers; online giving options.

Alternatives to Present Cash Gift Levels - What we might Expect.

Economic Climate and Giving (Matts and Lundy survey) Data suggests that the economic climate is affecting gifts toward the lower end of the gift pyramid and that some donors are looking for alternative gift methods to support institutions. Although research indicates that we must be realistic about what lies ahead, M & L has witnessed many economic downturns throughout its history and has found the generosity of individuals encouraging during such challenging periods.

Resilient Philanthropy Even during the worst decline in the stock market (in 2002, when the Dow Jones Average decreased 17 percent and the S&P 500 Index dropped 23 percent), philanthropy increased by 1 percent.

A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP): GREAT collection of articles and tools. “Donors have a lot on their minds these days as they sit down with their personal budgets…. “But despite the headlines about Wall Street and the financial markets, we as fundraisers should not lose sight of the fact that giving is a way for communities to pull together. While the economic forecasts are uncertain right now, what is quite certain is the capacity of people to lend a hand and support institutions of all kinds.”