By Alexander, G. Douglass
Recovery from the current recession is about as predictable as the weather. Forecasts for an end to these hard times range anywhere from two months to two years. But, like the weather, we know things will get better. What then are the implications for fund raising? Are people still willing to give? Should fund-raising campaigns go on hold? Or should you proceed, but with much more modest goals?
The better question to ask is: Can you afford to put your needs on hold? Most executive directors and development officers I know would answer an unequivocal "no." In fact, some non-profit organizations, especially social service agencies, report that their funding requirements are even greater in this soft economy because more and more people need help. And many non-profits are also feeling the pinch of cutbacks from federal, state and local governments, which are dealing with their own financial crises. Actually, a case can be made that the third sector is even more important during a recession because of the inability of government to respond expeditiously and effectively to rising social and health problems.
Recession In Perspective
Showing posts with label charity events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label charity events. Show all posts
Nov 23, 2008
Where Do Nonprofits Fit in Obama’s Plans?
(Nov. 10, 2008)
During the U.S. presidential campaign, Sen. Barack Obama shared his plans to stimulate public service and build the capacity of nonprofits, including initiatives to encourage new and more effective nonprofit programs.
Obama, now U.S. president-elect, put forth a three-step plan to increase public service. The first component is a large expansion of the size and scope of America’s federally funded volunteer programs, such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. The second part is moving these volunteer service and “service-learning” programs into schools and colleges. The third aspect is leveraging public and private sector investment to “incorporate higher levels of competition, innovation, and accountability” in the nonprofit sector.
Obama’s plans for nonprofits themselves were not very specific, but do call for the creation of an agency within the Corporation for National and Community Service called the Social Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits. The agency would make grants to build the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector and capacity of nonprofit organizations, including their ability to ensure accountability, manage volunteers and improve outcomes.
Barack Obama’s plan to increase public service and improve nonprofits can be found on his campaign website. For more about Barack Obama’s proposed plans affecting the nonprofit sector, see this campaign coverage on The Chronicle of Philanthropy‘s website.
During the U.S. presidential campaign, Sen. Barack Obama shared his plans to stimulate public service and build the capacity of nonprofits, including initiatives to encourage new and more effective nonprofit programs.
Obama, now U.S. president-elect, put forth a three-step plan to increase public service. The first component is a large expansion of the size and scope of America’s federally funded volunteer programs, such as AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. The second part is moving these volunteer service and “service-learning” programs into schools and colleges. The third aspect is leveraging public and private sector investment to “incorporate higher levels of competition, innovation, and accountability” in the nonprofit sector.
Obama’s plans for nonprofits themselves were not very specific, but do call for the creation of an agency within the Corporation for National and Community Service called the Social Entrepreneurship Agency for Nonprofits. The agency would make grants to build the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector and capacity of nonprofit organizations, including their ability to ensure accountability, manage volunteers and improve outcomes.
Barack Obama’s plan to increase public service and improve nonprofits can be found on his campaign website. For more about Barack Obama’s proposed plans affecting the nonprofit sector, see this campaign coverage on The Chronicle of Philanthropy‘s website.
NYC World Children's Day Event A Success Through Cookies, Crafts and Conversation With Tamia
Posted: 21 Nov 2008 02:30 PM CST
This month, participating McDonald's restaurants across the United States will celebrate World Children's Day at McDonald's, an annual program since 2002 that raises funds and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and other children's causes. In addition, Celebrity Friends of RMHC are also showing their support through a series of special events and a new public service announcement.
On November 20th, Grammy nominated singer Tamia Hill participated in World Children’s Day ® at the Ronald McDonald House of New York. Along with Tamia included actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Board Chairman, Linda Dunham, with members of Mocha Moms, a support group for stay-at-home mothers of color. The Ronald McDonald House of New York is a facility that offers temporary housing to children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer and their families.
Holly Robinson Peete; Linda Dunham, Global Chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities and Tamia Hill
Fundraising Tips: Do’s and Don’ts in a Troubled Economy
(Sept. 22, 2008) Greeted every morning with news of falling stocks and debates on whether the U.S. economy is in recession, charitable spending right now is likely not on the top of many donors’ priorities—a daunting thought for fundraisers looking for strong fourth-quarter income.
“This is a big enough ripple that major donors are looking around and asking themselves where this ends,” said Melissa Berman, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, a New York firm that counsels donors on charitable giving. “And as the financial crisis bleeds onto Main Street, ordinary folks are feeling less comfortable donating money.”
In what will likely be an uphill battle, fundraisers in the final months of 2008 say they are not making drastic changes, but rather going back to basics and focusing on need.
“Donors may not give as quickly or as readily, so you need to make a really compelling case,” says Brian Bonde, ACFRE, president of Children’s Care Hospital Foundation. Bonde advises nonprofits not to back down on marketing; instead redouble the effort. “If there is any doubt of real need, the donor may not give right now. This is not going to work if you are doing things the way you do them in better times. In tough times, we really need to communicate the hurt.”
“It’s like a football team. When you’re down, focus on fundamentals,” Bonde continues. “Go out and talk to your donors. Try to identify people who can be opinion leaders to the rest of the constituency—create a bandwagon effect. Prepare your boards for what may be the worst and try to make it the best.”
Last Quarter Critical
How important is the last quarter of each year for fundraising? According to AFP’s Holiday Giving Survey, conducted in December 2007, more than 40 percent of charities raise on average between one-third and one-half of their entire annual contributions from October through December. In addition, almost three in 10 charities raise more than 50 percent of their annual contributions during that time. Nearly two in 10 respondents receive more than 40 percent of their annual contributions in the month of December alone.
Despite the urgency of the situation, members agree that keeping the general program moving forward, focusing on the bigger picture and NOT panicking are critical to success.
“Look at your donors case-by-case, some are being hit hard by the economy, some are doing okay,” advises Matthew Haag, senior director of major gifts and regional programs at the University of Rochester. “And with all your donors and prospects—don’t stop communicating. Now is an opportunity to show that you are interested in them beyond the financial, because you know some just don’t have it to give right now. Don’t lose sight of the long-term relationship you are building.”
As for what not to do, Bonde says fundraisers should not move away from long-range strategies and long-term cultivation in order to fulfill annual goals.
On his blog, The Fundraising Coach, Marc Pitman writes that the three deadliest mistakes a fundraiser can make in a bad economy are to spend less on fundraising, become pessimistic and apologize when asking for money.
“Timidity is a sure-fire way to not raise money,” Pitman says. “We need to continue getting out from behind our desks and inviting donors to give.” It is important to show that you are aware that these are tough times, he adds. “But there’s nothing compassionate about not asking.”
How is your organization faring during these times? What are you doing to reach your fundraising goal through the last quarter of this year? Send Rowlan your thoughts. Info@RowlanHill.com
“This is a big enough ripple that major donors are looking around and asking themselves where this ends,” said Melissa Berman, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, a New York firm that counsels donors on charitable giving. “And as the financial crisis bleeds onto Main Street, ordinary folks are feeling less comfortable donating money.”
In what will likely be an uphill battle, fundraisers in the final months of 2008 say they are not making drastic changes, but rather going back to basics and focusing on need.
“Donors may not give as quickly or as readily, so you need to make a really compelling case,” says Brian Bonde, ACFRE, president of Children’s Care Hospital Foundation. Bonde advises nonprofits not to back down on marketing; instead redouble the effort. “If there is any doubt of real need, the donor may not give right now. This is not going to work if you are doing things the way you do them in better times. In tough times, we really need to communicate the hurt.”
“It’s like a football team. When you’re down, focus on fundamentals,” Bonde continues. “Go out and talk to your donors. Try to identify people who can be opinion leaders to the rest of the constituency—create a bandwagon effect. Prepare your boards for what may be the worst and try to make it the best.”
Last Quarter Critical
How important is the last quarter of each year for fundraising? According to AFP’s Holiday Giving Survey, conducted in December 2007, more than 40 percent of charities raise on average between one-third and one-half of their entire annual contributions from October through December. In addition, almost three in 10 charities raise more than 50 percent of their annual contributions during that time. Nearly two in 10 respondents receive more than 40 percent of their annual contributions in the month of December alone.
Despite the urgency of the situation, members agree that keeping the general program moving forward, focusing on the bigger picture and NOT panicking are critical to success.
“Look at your donors case-by-case, some are being hit hard by the economy, some are doing okay,” advises Matthew Haag, senior director of major gifts and regional programs at the University of Rochester. “And with all your donors and prospects—don’t stop communicating. Now is an opportunity to show that you are interested in them beyond the financial, because you know some just don’t have it to give right now. Don’t lose sight of the long-term relationship you are building.”
As for what not to do, Bonde says fundraisers should not move away from long-range strategies and long-term cultivation in order to fulfill annual goals.
On his blog, The Fundraising Coach, Marc Pitman writes that the three deadliest mistakes a fundraiser can make in a bad economy are to spend less on fundraising, become pessimistic and apologize when asking for money.
“Timidity is a sure-fire way to not raise money,” Pitman says. “We need to continue getting out from behind our desks and inviting donors to give.” It is important to show that you are aware that these are tough times, he adds. “But there’s nothing compassionate about not asking.”
How is your organization faring during these times? What are you doing to reach your fundraising goal through the last quarter of this year? Send Rowlan your thoughts. Info@RowlanHill.com
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