The last two months have been filled with stress, anxiety, and fear. And while we may not have all the answers (or any answers) for what lies ahead, I believe it’s time to look towards the future, take action, and create joy and happiness whenever possible.
In my experience, fundraising is 30% skill and 70% attitude. So if you’re discouraged, negative, or resistant, it’s nearly impossible to raise money.
If you believe you can’t raise money, you won’t. Conversely, if you believe you can, it’s far more likely that you will.
Not only that, but there’s actual evidence that happiness and giving are intertwined and related.
When it Comes to Raising Money, Outlook Matters
A working paper from the Harvard Business School, called Feeling Good About Giving revealed that:
Happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop (with happier people giving more, getting happier, and giving even more).
So which camp do you fall into? Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Of course, this goes beyond simply believing in something. The action you take as a result of those beliefs is what really counts.
For example, if you believe you will raise money during this unprecedented crisis, you’ve probably been busy calling donors, sending emails and letters, and asking for donations. Simply believing will not get you far, but taking action upon those beliefs will make all the difference.
If, on the other hand, you don’t believe you can or should be raising money, why bother sending that email or picking up the phone? After all, people probably won’t give anyway, so why bother — right?
Prepare Yourself for Some Positivity
First, get yourself in the right frame of mind to be peaceful, calm and happier than you are right now. Here are a few physical activities that will get your own endorphins flowing:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Exercise
- Get outside for some sunshine — aim for at least 30 minutes per day
Once you’re in a more positive mental state, you’ll be in the perfect position to spread joy to your staff and donors. So what are some ways you might do that responsibly during a pandemic?
9 Ways to Virtually Spread Joy to Staff and Donors
Here are some out-of-the-box ideas to help spread joy among your team and donors during this challenging time, when social distancing is the norm.
1. Decorate Cupcakes
Yesterday, my daughter’s friend celebrated her birthday. Her mother had a local bakery deliver supplies for a “decorate your own cupcakes” party. It came with a dozen mini-cupcakes (6 vanilla and 6 chocolate), 3 bags of icing, 2 cups of sprinkles, and 1 sheet of fondant with characters printed on it. The girls met via Zoom and had a blast decorating their cupcakes “together”.
2. Throw a Tea Party / “Meet-Up” for Coffee
Have a local coffee or tea shop deliver a gift basket (or you can make them and deliver them yourself) and have a virtual tea party with donors or staff members. You can still meet your donors “for coffee” while being safe and socially distanced in the comfort of your own home.
3. Play Bingo
Email bingo cards to print out at home (or mail them in advance). Plan a meeting to draw numbers and let people play from home via Zoom. Provide prizes, even if they are certificates you email to winners the next day. Crown someone a bingo champion!
4. Have a Dance Party
You’ll need to know your audience for this one, but once a week (or even once a day), pick a song or series of songs to rock out to with others on Zoom. This is probably better suited to a staff exercise than done with donors, although you know your donors best!
5. Create a Video Montage
My son turned 16 a few weeks ago. For this important, milestone birthday, I had friends and family members send video clips wishing him a happy birthday. A company I found online put the clips together for under $30. It turned out better than I could have possibly imagined with people sharing memories and wishes for his special day. You can do the same thing for donors, clients, staff members, or even honorees for your organization.
6. Give Out “Of the Week” Certificates
People love to be recognized. Use any of the myriad of online templates to create custom certificates for staff and donors. Put them in a frame and send them in the mail (or drop them off locally for an even bigger gesture). “Donor of the Week” or “Staff of the Week” are some safe ideas to get you started. The more creative you are, the more joy you’re likely to generate.
7. Send Quarantine Care Packages
There’s nothing like saying “I care” then sending a Coronavirus care package. Fill it with a homemade mask, gloves, and Clorox wipes (if you can find them). There are tons of custom Covid-19 related products popping up online. Include fun items like superhero masks and “quarantine caffeine” mugs. Add a handwritten note to make it even more personal.
8. Organize a Pet Parade
Depending on your group, it may make sense to organize a virtual pet parade. Dress up your favorite pet (or stuffed animal) and share them with the group. There’s nothing more personal than someone’s pet. This will give you a window into their home and their life. A pet parade will work wonders as an amazing icebreaker and creator of joy!
9. Host a Sing Along
Again, know your audience before proposing something like this, but if you have a musical group, there’s nothing like a good old singalong to bring the joy. You can post the words (Karaoke style) and have someone play music. Encourage signing as loud as possible (others can turn the volume down).
So, there you have it. Nine unusual ideas to spread some joy to your staff and donors during the Coronavirus crisis. And that’s just the beginning — I can’t wait to hear your ideas in the comments. Please share them below.
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