Don't Call It a Crisis

It may be that the economic downturn and its effects, are not a short-lived crisis that we'll awake from like a bad dream, but just the way it's going to be into the foreseeable future. We would do better to confront this time of uncertainty as the creative challenge that it is.

That is the opinion of Kim Klein, fundraising guru, former publisher of the "Grassroots Fundraising Journal," and prolific writer.

In the most recent "Journal," Klein says we should get used to these conditions and plan accordingly. Klein makes 5 suggestions for nonprofits hoping to survive the economic free fall and thrive in the future:

1. In all of your communications with donors and prospective donors, acknowledge the economy, but do not dwell on it. Focus on your organization's mission, accomplishments, and future plans.
2. Take transparency seriously. Reassure supporters that you are spending your money responsibly.
3. Focus on mid-range donors. They already like you enough to give substantial amounts, and they might be persuaded to give more.
4. Solve any systemic fundraising problems that you may have. Look for the holes such as an out-of-date website, inadequate donor recognition, or an apathetic board.
5. List the 50 most important people to your organization. They might be your founders, most generous donors, or your best volunteers. Decide what you will do next with each of those people, and then do it. Cement your relationships with the people on your list, and then see if they can help even more during this difficult time.

Check out the "Grassroots Fundraising Journal"...you might want to subscribe for the rest of Klein's article, and for this publication's consistently pragmatic and sensible advice.

Related

• What Is Working in Fundraising Right Now
• Fundraising in a Recession
• The Nonprofit Hard Times Survival Guide