What is the Answer?
Fundraising gurus Roger Craver and Tom Belford recently conduced a survey, polling 235 nonprofit fundraisers about their plans and perceived outcomes for 2010. Reporting results on their daily blog The Agitator, Tom and Roger conclude what they call Creeping Optimism amongst participant responses.
They also asked fundraisers, “What is the single biggest challenge your fundraising program faces in 2010?” Answers included:
· Getting board members involved and energized
· The perception that direct mail doesn’t work and investment in
acquisition isn’t worth it
· Panic and short-sightedness of top management
· A board that doesn’t get it
· Persuading management to try new approaches and techniques
Many of these challenges have been a barrier to fundraisers for years … now add in the “panic factor” and they seem even more pronounced.
What is the answer? There is no quick “down and dirty” … but a couple of things to keep in mind … use data driven decisions to build your case and reassure senior leadership that you are moving in the right direction … educate board and staff on why we do the things we do … don’t get caught up in the panic around you - you still need to raise dollars for your mission … and be certain you have covered all the basics of good fundraising techniques, along with incorporated some great new ideas. You will prevail!
I hope each of you has a wonderful turkey day!
Sue
