What we’re reading: Five first takes on COVID-19 from fundraising experts
Compiled by: Courtney Backen, development strategist
First of all, thank you for all that you’re doing for our nonprofit community during this time of uncertainty. The work you’re putting in and the missions you’re pursuing are critical to the wellbeing of Minnesotans, now more than ever. Fundraising is hard enough without being in the midst of a pandemic, so please know that the team here at GiveMN recognizes all the ways you are stepping up to meet the challenges of COVID-19 in new, creative, and courageous ways.
As a nonprofit leader, you’ve likely been though turbulence before—the recession in 2008, staff or leadership turnover, events that didn’t go as planned, etc. This week, our RaiseMN coaches are using this lens as a starting point to help guide nonprofits seeking fundraising help—your organizations have made it through challenging times before, and we will all weather this one together, too.
In the past two weeks, our coaches have been diving into reading and resources as nonprofits around the world learn how to fundraise in our new normal times, and we wanted to share some of what we’re reading with you.
8 Steps for Successful Fundraising During the Coronavirus Crisis by Amy Eisenstein
In this listicle, Eisenstein outlines eight key tactics for staying the course of your fundraising plan during this crisis. From advice on sticking to your capital campaign to how to navigate your relationships with donors, Eisenstein provides a general overview of actionable steps you can take to stabilize your fundraising this spring.
Events, Coronavirus, Lost Revenue: What to Do by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels
In this article, the authors provide a list of ideas for engaging your donors in new ways while working to maintain the level of revenue you might have already planned for. Their grounding and calming advice is a helpful reminder that your mission and the work of your organization is crucial right now. In their words, “COVID-19 does not change the fact that your mission – your reason to exist – is important and needed.”
Fundraising in a Crisis by Penelope Burk
Recalling the effects of the 2008 recession on philanthropy, Burk reminds us that trust is a key factor for nonprofits to weather this challenge. Outlining three key steps to building trust with donors during a crisis, Burk walks through how the lessons the nonprofit industry learned in 2008 can be applied now to retain and even acquire donors.
Fundraising During the Corona Outbreak: Answers to 5 Pressing Questions from The Chronicle of Philanthropy
While we’re all being surrounded by questions about how to move forward and what fundraisers should be doing right now, this article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy outlines the top five questions being asked right now and provides ideas for action. From advice on events to converting in-person donor meetings to virtual ones, the authors of this article cover the most pressing questions in a succinct and grounded way.
Creating Meaningful Connections While Social Distancing by Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels
Another article from Perry and Schreifels at The Veritus Group, this piece acknowledges in-person meetings as just one way to connect with donors. In light of social distancing, the authors suggest seven ways to continue to connect with your donors to combat isolation and deepen your relationship.
While continuing to fundraise during a pandemic is easier said than done, we are lucky to live in one of the most civically-engaged and generous states in the entire country. Our nonprofit sector is filled with incredible, hardworking fundraisers and leaders like you, and GiveMN is proud to partner with and support the work you do.
Courtney Backen is a development strategist at GiveMN.
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