Non-Profits Brainstorm to Subsidize Government Cut Backs

It’s no secret that our government is ailing when it comes to balancing a budget. As of December 13, the U.S. National Debt Clock reveals that we currently owe $15,067,709,105,674.70. (For you number crunchers, that means that each of the 311,846,207 people who live in the U.S. owe $48,317.76.)

As a non-profit you may be feeling some of the effects of these numbers as the government holds back some of its funding. Many charities are creating new strategies to improve private donations in this precarious economy.

Patrick Wall writes on Crain’s New York Business that many non-profits are seeking out new ways to cultivate relationships with donors. Holiday giving campaigns and random mailers are coming back with minimal success as contributors want to become partners in the cause and not just wallets to be pried open.
“’Today’s donors don’t want to be seen as piggy banks,’ said Adrian Sargeant, a professor of fundraising at Indiana University. ‘They want to be seen as people who are active in the cause.’

“To acknowledge that, Mr. Sargeant warns, nonprofits seeking lasting support must treat donors as partners, not checkbooks with legs. Organizations that reach out to supporters only during giving campaigns and that send out generic mailings may come up dry the following year. In fact, 50% to 70% of people who make initial gifts to a nonprofit never return, the professor notes.”

Many organizations are trying new ways to gain long term supporters, not just occasional donors. Moving away from “fundraising events,” some charities are creating community events and free celebration banquets to thank donors and engage new ones in their mission. Creating partners allows people to invest emotionally in a cause with lasting long term effects.

Wall also writes that many non-profits are engaging their board members to recruit associates to give and to give more themselves. I’ve seen award banquets and balls honoring major donors which therefore brings in their social circle to the charitable event. Not a bad way to tap into potential supporters.

Social media updates are also a great way to keep in contact with your donors and help them to feel a part of your organization. This is an easy and affordable way to stay connected with your supporters. As a non-profit, trying new ideas and keeping abreast of the trends can certainly help your non-profit to succeed.
If your non-profit or charity organization needs to fill the gap in funding, check out Fundly’s leading social fundraising platform today and raise money online via social media, strengthen relationships with donors, and increase donations over the long-term for your organization.