5 Summer Actions to Bolster Your Fall Fundraising During Coronavirus

Normally, summer is a time for fun, relaxation, BBQ’s, family, friends and more.

This summer (2020) is going to be different for everyone with the Coronavirus lurking about. Travel is limited, kids are home from camp, and big gatherings are taboo.

5 Actions to Bolster Fall Fundraising While Coronavirus Looms

As far is fundraising is concerned, summer is normally a slow time for planning for the fall crush. But since we’re not sure what this fall will bring, here are 5 indisputable things you can do right now that are sure to help your fundraising efforts later this year.

1. Take a walk with a donor.

Continue building donor relationships with the fall in mind. One way to do that is to invite a donor on a walk. While it’s probably not appropriate for every donor, it is an amazing way to get to know someone.

Set a goal to set up two outdoor walks with a donor each week this summer.

2. Hold a retreat.

This can be virtual or in-person, depending on your board and staff’s comfort level, and where you are in the country. Take time to create a plan and a new vision and reassess where you are as an organization. Check out my post on how to prepare your nonprofit for an uncertain future.

And if you need a facilitator for your retreat, I’d love to talk.

3. Reset goals and metrics.

Your 2020 fundraising goals may still be on track or they could be way off track. Either way, it’s likely time to set some new goals and metrics for the remainder of the year.

What would really move the needle on your fundraising? Set metrics you can work towards and be successful with. Some examples include:

• Convert 10% of annual donors to monthly donors at higher levels ($100 annual donors to $20 per month).
• Increase giving from your top 20 donors (solicit major gifts from them on walks or over video chat).
• Confirm 10 new bequest intentions from your most loyal donors.
• Create a mini-campaign to raise $100K or more this fall.
• Increase donor retention rate by 10% by calling every donor to say thank you within 48 hours of their gift arriving, or sending a personal video thank you.

4. Don’t make assumptions — ask questions.

Don’t assume your donors won’t or can’t give. Ask them. That’s the only way you’ll know for sure.

Remember — many people have extra disposable income right now after months of quarantine. You might be surprised by their answer.

5. Take time to relax.

Due to all of the craziness this past spring, anxiety levels are at an all-time high. And, although it seems like we should have more time on our hands because so many things are closed and canceled, the reality is that you’re probably as busy as ever.

With that in mind, it has never been more important to take some time for yourself. Whether than means finding a quiet corner to read a good book, taking a nap, spending some time outdoors, or taking a soak in the tub, make time for yourself every day to recharge your battery in preparation for the fall.

At a bare minimum, step away from your computer and your phone for a designated break each day to “disconnect” and give yourself some peace of mind.

The Virus isn’t Going Away in the Fall

Unfortunately, despite the fact that many places have reopened doesn’t mean COVID-19 is over. It’s here. It’s a certainty that it will continue to hang over the head of every fundraiser this fall. But there are things you can do NOW to get ready.

All five actions on the list above are easier said than done. It takes work to raise money (and even to schedule time for relaxation). After all, if fundraising were easy, everyone would be doing it.

And it’s a shame more people aren’t fundraising. Raising money has never been as important as it is right now. So don’t wait for the fall to start. We really can’t predict what the fall will look like, apart from the fact that the virus will still be hanging around. So with that certainty, why not do the things you can do RIGHT NOW to prepare?

Being more prepared during this crazy moment in time can only help your cause (and your sanity) in the long run.

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Give it a little thought — what can you do this summer to continue raising money and prepare for the fall? Let me know in the comments.