Survival in a Bad Economy
The economy. Yep, it's bad. We are seeing evidence of it everywhere and unfortunately the nonprofit world is not exempt. Donations are down, funding is down, programs are being cut. The grants that were historically non competitve suddenly are and the ones that were always competitive are even more so. Does this mean you don't stand a chance? Of course not. What it does mean though is that you really need to do your homework and identify those funding sources that fit your organization's mission. How can you do that? Take advantage of the Foundation Directory Online here at the Main Library. If you need a tutorial, call me. I am more than happy to give you tips on searching and finding sources.
It also means you are going to have to get more creative and become more resourceful. I am including some websites with some tips on surviving in a bad economy.
And hang in there! Things are going to get better. In the meantime remember, no matter how much or how little you are able to do, you all are truly making a difference.
A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy
The Economic Crisis – Centralized Information Resources for Funders and Nonprofits
Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center
How Charities Cope With a Troubled Economy
It also means you are going to have to get more creative and become more resourceful. I am including some websites with some tips on surviving in a bad economy.
And hang in there! Things are going to get better. In the meantime remember, no matter how much or how little you are able to do, you all are truly making a difference.
A Survival Kit for Fundraising in a Bad Economy
The Economic Crisis – Centralized Information Resources for Funders and Nonprofits
Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center
How Charities Cope With a Troubled Economy
Comments
For many people, their income is the same as it was one year ago, even if their savings/investments have declined, which for many people is money they’ll recover between now and the time they intend to use the money. For most donors, contribution decisions are based on current income, at least for annual campaigns which are typically the lifeline for an organization's operating budget. Let's also keep in mind there are people whose financial lives have improved because of our down economy. Certain businesses by virtue of the services they provide or the products they sell are poised to make more money when others are hurting. We also know there are some donors who are most likely to step up and stretch their giving when the chips are down ... becoming a “hero” in a down economy can be quite compelling for certain donors.
For some nonprofit organizations, I think too many of their challenges are being attributed to the tough economy. Perhaps our tough economy should be considered a "wake up call" for many nonprofit organizations about their operations which donors may be scrutinizing now more than ever.
I was disturbed to read an article recently in The Jewish Daily Forward an article titled “The Perfect Storm’ for Day Schools” (http://www.forward.com/articles/112003/) in which I frankly feel the economy was used as a scapegoat to avoid perhaps some of the more difficult realities. While I’m not arguing the economy is not a factor. I can’t help but wonder if the school has done any kind of self-evaluation of their program to determine the perception of it among potential families shopping around. Perhaps their facility isn’t well maintained, perhaps their leaders aren’t equipped to be effective good will ambassadors, perhaps their marketing efforts are misdirected, etc. If donations are down, it could also be a reflection of weak relationships maintained by the school with their donors who are directing their support to the organizations that have done a better job of stewarding the relationship and ensuring ongoing support.
My personal feeling is that one reason why the economy is “so bad” is because the perception of the economy is “so bad.” I believe leaders in nonprofit organizations have an opportunity – and responsibility – to ensure vital services continue and one thing we can all do to help is to stop talking doom and gloom and commit ourselves to “going the distance.” This may include challenging ourselves to take an honest assessment of our organizations and do what we know we’re supposed to do or what we say we do. Perhaps now, better than ever.
I welcome your opinion.
Seth Bloom, President
Bloom Metz Consulting
Specialists in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and leadership development
2812 Landon Drive, Wilmington, DE 19810
302.584.1592 | F: 302.478.1699
www.BloomMetz.com