Whether you like it or not, change is upon us. We’ll have a new President to lead our country tomorrow. Fundraising as we knew it has changed due to the economic crises. Business as usual is simply not the same.
How are these challenges and changes affecting your organization? Your clients or consumers?
Change = moving from one state of being to another.
As your organization deals with the changes imposed on you by the economy and potentially sluggish contributions it is your responsibility to meet the changes with enthusiasm and honesty. This year, don’t just send out the usual “ho hum” updates about your work and the good things you are doing. Change it up! Here’s how:
- Be creative in how you let donors and the community know what you need. Letting the community know that the economy IS affecting you is important to do. And letting the community know how you are meeting the challenges and changes in expected income is more important than ever. Hold special “coffee with the CEO” gatherings that update insiders and key donors.
- Continue to define and articulate YOUR vision for the changed vision of the future. Without updated information, donors, volunteers and the community in general will think you are doing fine and nothing has changed and they may go elsewhere to give. Use email, phone calls and any opportunity to speak to groups to share what is different for your organization this year.
- Embrace the changes and articulate how they are affecting you often this year. Quarterly rather than annual updates will make a difference this year. Memories are short. Keep your organization visible.
- Keep your mission relevant by sharing heartfelt, real stories, that always include a call to action.
- Be vocal about your annual fundraising goal and the deadline for your annual campaign. Starting NOW in January. Even if your deadline is in December.
It is the organization that doesn’t embrace change that will be overlooked when donors are determining where their contributions will make a difference this year.
Embrace change.
