Adapting and Thriving: Pioneering Local Fundraising Strategies In Times of Crisis

Adapting and Thriving: Pioneering Local Fundraising Strategies In Times of Crisis

In the challenging context of global crises like the October 7th Massacre in Israel and its aftermath, fundraising for local Yeshivas and Jewish organizations requires a nuanced approach. The second webinar in Charidy's Insight Into Israel Masterclass Series brought together experienced professionals to tackle these challenges. This article delves deeper into their insights, providing actionable strategies for fundraisers and internal stakeholders within nonprofit organizations.

Addressing the Complexities of Current Fundraising Dilemmas

Hershel Leiner from H. Leiner & Co. shed light on the immediate dilemmas facing fundraisers: "Is it appropriate to hold an event or campaign now? How do we respond when a donor focuses only on Israel?" He highlighted the tension between supporting Israel and meeting local needs, especially in a pre-war recessionary climate. This dilemma underscores the need for fundraisers to carefully consider the timing and tone of their campaigns.

Richard Bieler of R. Bieler Consulting LLC elaborated on these challenges: “How do we attract new prospects at this time? How do we adjust the events already scheduled?” His questions point to the broader issues of maintaining donor engagement and adapting strategies to suit the current environment.

Emphasizing Relationship-Building in Fundraising

Baruch Rothman from Yeshiva Darchei Torah highlighted the opportunity to strengthen donor relationships amidst crisis, advising fundraisers to "become a closer friend." This approach involves empathetic engagement, where understanding donors' concerns about global events is as important as discussing the ongoing needs of the Yeshiva. Rothman advocates for a balanced conversation that respects the donors' focus on the crisis while subtly reminding them of the local organization's enduring mission. This strategy not only fosters deeper personal connections but also reinforces trust and mutual respect, essential for sustained support

Richard Bieler's experience with OHEL Family & Child Service post-9/11 offers a practical example of this approach. Rather than focusing solely on what donors could contribute, they reoriented their message to highlight what OHEL could offer to donors during these trying times. Bieler explained, "We wrote to our major donors about how OHEL could address their immediate concerns regarding mental health and emotional distress caused by 9/11." This strategy not only demonstrated empathy and understanding of the donors' current state but also reinforced OHEL's role as a supportive resource, deepening the relationship beyond mere financial transactions. This pivot in communication was crucial in maintaining relevance and engagement with donors amidst a national crisis.

Narrowing Focus to Enhance Fundraising Impact

Rabbi Hirshy Minkowitcz from Chabad of North Fulton, GA, emphasized a targeted approach during times of crisis, advising fundraisers to "narrow our perspective and focus on one-on-one fundraising." He underscored the value of personal interactions, which are crucial for understanding and responding to each donor's unique needs and inspirations. Minkowitcz highlighted the heightened desire among community members to connect more meaningfully with their Yiddishkeit, especially in challenging times. This approach allows fundraisers to engage deeply with donors, addressing both local organizational needs and broader global concerns, while ensuring authenticity in their fundraising efforts.

Preparing for Challenging Conversations and Creative Solutions

Hershel Leiner stressed the need for fundraisers to be thoroughly prepared for difficult discussions, advising, "You have to understand how you are going to answer these difficult questions." This preparation is crucial for addressing donors' concerns in times of crisis, ensuring that fundraisers can provide clear, empathetic, and informative responses. By anticipating potential queries and formulating thoughtful replies, fundraisers can maintain transparency and build trust, ensuring their communication is both confident and effective. This strategic preparedness is key to sustaining strong donor relationships during challenging times.

Leiner also highlighted the need for creativity in programming, particularly in connecting local initiatives with the situation in Israel. He suggested integrating activities that foster solidarity, such as incorporating prayers for Israel or educational segments about current events, into local events. This approach not only engages the community with the broader global context but also ensures that the connection to Israel is meaningful and authentic. By doing so, organizations can create a sense of unity and shared purpose, enhancing the relevance and impact of their fundraising efforts amidst complex global concerns.

In addition,? Hershel Leiner discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic brought critical lessons for fundraisers/ He noted the importance of quick adaptation and seizing opportunities: “Whoever hesitated and waited…regretted it. Business has to continue as usual.” This experience taught fundraisers the value of proactive action and flexibility. Instead of waiting for a return to normalcy, successful fundraising required innovating and adjusting strategies to the changing landscape. This proactive approach not only helped maintain donor engagement but also ensured the continuity of essential fundraising activities during an unprecedented global crisis.

Insights from Charidy: The Importance of Continuing Fundraising Efforts

Menachem Siegal from Charidy highlighted the importance of persevering with fundraising efforts, despite the global focus on crises like the situation in Israel. He observed a strong sentiment among donors to support meaningful causes, noting, "People understand very clearly that our local organizations need to be sustained." This understanding, he suggests, should motivate organizations to communicate their needs clearly and sincerely. Siegal's experiences indicate that donors, recognizing the continued relevance of local entities, are willing to support them even amidst global events. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, encouraging ongoing support in challenging times.

Relationships: The Heartbeat of Successful Fundraising

Underlining a key theme from the webinar, Chaya Abelsky of Charidy concluded the webinar by highlighting the fundamental role of relationships in fundraising with her remark, "Everything comes down to relationships." This concise yet powerful statement captures the essence of the panel's discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of nurturing deep, personal connections with donors. It reflects the shared view that effective fundraising transcends mere financial solicitation, focusing instead on empathetic engagement and genuine understanding of donors' perspectives. Abelsky's insight serves as a crucial reminder to fundraisers that the strength and sustainability of their efforts are rooted in the quality of relationships they forge with their donor community.

Embracing Key Strategies for Resilient Fundraising

The collective wisdom shared in Charidy's Insight Into Israel Masterclass Series illuminates the path for Yeshivas and Jewish organizations facing fundraising challenges amidst global crises. The emphasis on deepening donor relationships, adapting strategies to current realities, and focusing on meaningful engagement offers a blueprint for resilience and success. As we move forward, these insights will undoubtedly empower fundraisers to navigate complexities with confidence, ensuring that their vital work continues to thrive and make a difference in their communities. As we navigate these challenging times, we encourage you to utilize the resources and expertise available through Charidy, strengthening your organization's ability to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.