We know our current environment presents challenging times. You’ve had to reinvent just about everything you do – from communicating with your donors to delivering your organization’s services.
Just about everything is different.
All of these hurdles are interesting to donors! Believe it or not, they actually want to hear about your changes, the issues you are grasping with, the shifts you are making.
As we’ve said earlier, it’s certainly not business as usual these days.
So we want to reiterate – you have NEWS to share with your donors. News they are open to hearing about.
Here are three ways that the current environment opens unique opportunities for fundraising – new doors to donors.
1. You have a special opportunity to reengage your donors in your vision for the future.
We recently talked about the fact that a small goal and a small vision won’t cut it in this environment. Remember, the bigger your vision, the more money you can raise.
You can inspire and reengage your donors right now with an exciting big picture vision of the impact you can make in your community.
Tough times call for new plans, new visions, new excitement. Donors usually don’t want to give to just the status quo. They do want to give to an exciting initiative.
These times call upon us to create new initiatives. Then we can easily offer a special project to a donor to peak their interest in funding it.
2. You have new chances to gain access to donors.
Share with donors your plan for moving your organization ahead in this environment. They are open to new kinds of communication.
Donors are more available now, since many have cut their outside commitments and travel. They may be hungry for good news.
So reach out to your donors.
Hold zoom briefings on various aspects of your service area. Have a town hall with your executive director or president. Introduce key program managers to your donors, and let program staff share directly how things are going.
We want to be clear here – you have an opportunity like no other right now. To be in communication with your stakeholders, major donors, and funders. This environment has made it easier to gain access and get their attention.
So, go for it! Be in frequent touch with your donors. Share the news they are interested in!
3. You have a unique opening to ask for what you need – NOW.
Right now, you have needs that are clear and present. There are new ways of doing business. Your institution might be shifting to digital. Even more, your cash flow may be seriously down.
Again, be clear with donors about how they can help. Share with them the impact they can make with their gift – right now.
You have a unique opportunity right now to connect with donors about specific issues. However, you have to speak plainly. No jargon. No “pat” phrases you’ve been using for years.
It’s time to reinvent your language to be more authentic, transparent, and informal.
Can you make that change?
It’s harder than you think, because you are used to speaking certain ways that are probably too formal and abstract for your donors today.
You have an opportunity to shape a very powerful, urgent ask right now. Create compelling stories about how you are impacting the world. Your donors will respond!
Bottom Line: Go forward vigorously! This is the time to step it up, and your donors will follow.
As always, it is a pleasure to share our weekly news and insights with you.
If you are planning a capital campaign and would like to learn about our unique Capital Campaigns by the Numbers approach, let us know.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
