So You Just Had to Cancel Your Annual Fundraising Event….Now What?
Anthony Baugher
Owner at Baugher Group and Career and Calling | Executive Search Consultant | Board Advisor | Investor | Accelerator | EQ Coach | Career Transition Coach | Executive Coach | Author | Keynote Speaker
We all know that nonprofits rely heavily on annual fundraising events and most of them take place in the spring each year. So, what do we do now that those events are canceled?
I want to encourage you, even though we are facing uncertain times in our country and world, the development community can answer the bell and be there for our donors, and here are some steps that you can do right now to help your nonprofit in regard to donor relations for the present and future.
1. Fundraising is never about the event; it is always about the relationships with your individual donors.
We might not be able to meet in person, but we live in a world where technology is at our fingertips daily – we can FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Call, Text and Email our donors to check in on them and see how this current crisis is impacting them and their family. Please be balanced in your approach and don’t overwhelm them with communication. A nice, simple text or email to check in and see how they are doing is an easy way to start the conversation.
2. Stay Connected
Social Distancing is doing just that, distancing us from a solid connection to others. Call your donors, even if you only get to leave a message. Check in on them, see how they are doing during this crisis. Call 5-10 an hour if needed, and make sure they know you care about them… not just their partnership with your organization.
3. Plan for the future.
Use this time to plan for your next event, the next call to action, and your next newsletter. Write appeal letters and save them as drafts. Use this time for planning and stay busy. It is very easy to get distracted, read the news online and before we know it – hours are gone. Staying busy will also help you escape from the stress of the outside world, even if it is only temporary. You want to be ready to hit the ground running when the crisis is over, and your nonprofit needs you.
So, if you are like me, I always have to take a breath and step back when my plans fall flat. My wife is always there to remind me “that this too shall pass”, and I am thankful for her during these times. Surround yourself with people that can lift up your spirits and encourage you…even though it will be from six feet away or more.
Stay safe out there!
Anthony
Posting from my app, so I apologize for any spelling and grammatical errors ?
Hospitality Professional
4 年This is wonderful and very creative. Thank you, David. Sharing your vast experience is most appreciated!
My mantra is "How CAN we make it happen?" Turning fundraising to fundEARNING. Proven relationship and revenue builder yielding millions for important causes.
4 年Good stuff. I wrote this yesterday. Perhaps you might find it of interest. You Can Still Deliver Your Fundraising Event! So many colleagues in the fundraising world have had to cancel their fundraisers. Many of these are “gala” events with food and entertainment. Here’s a creative thought. Instead of thinking about how much money you won’t raise, think about how much money you saved. I am going on the assumption that you got back deposits, etc. Stay with me here. Now, with the money you don’t have to spend you can support a local business that has supported you and raise money at the same time. Surprise and delight while delivery is still allowed. Deliver dinner or dessert to those who bought tickets, or would have been invited. It will cost less than the oily salmon, dry chicken or overcooked filet that you were going to serve. No band, centerpieces or lighting. Get the gist? Include a simple, compelling story about the impact of your organization and how it is even more important to continue raising support for your mission. Of course include a BRE to facilitate a gift. You could also include something to drive traffic to sponsors. Consider hosting a livestream where all can eat “together” Think outside the ballroom