8 Savvy Ways to Raise More Money in ANY Economy

Fall fundraising season is heating up. It’s normally the time nonprofits raise more than the rest of the year combined. But as the markets falter and uncertainty creeps in, you and your donors may be facing increasing anxiety about the economy.

Relax — you’ve got this.

8 Ways to Raise Money in ANY Enconomy

If you’re worried about the economy and how it will affect your fundraising efforts, fear not. Here are eight savvy ways to help you raise money in ANY economy.

1. Don’t Assume

You know the saying about making assumptions. Don’t assume your donors can’t give. Don’t assume they won’t give. You don’t know until you ask.

2. Make the Case

Your clients and the community may need you more than ever — especially in a down economy. If so, your job is more important than ever. Tell anyone who will listen about the amazing work you’re doing and why your needs are so urgent.

3. Create a Gift Range Chart

If you’ve done a capital campaign or been in fundraising for a while, it’s likely you’re familiar with a gift range chart. It’s also called a gift table or pyramid. Create a chart for the money you need to raise between now and the end of year and break it down into a specific number of gifts in specific amounts. Then, plan to raise those gifts.

4. Identify 20 Donors

Make a list of twenty donors who have the potential and inclination to get you 50% or more toward your goal. Then, reach out to each one and ask them to help support your case (see #2) this year.

5. Meet with Each Board Member

When was the last time you spoke to each of your board members individually? Make November “Board Member Coffee Month.”

Arrange time to sit down with each for coffee (or schedule time for your ED/CEO or Board Chair to do so). Ask them to give another gift to help the year finish strong. Also, be sure to discuss what role they would like to play next year.

6. Send a Fall Appeal

It’s not too late to plan your strategy for the fall:

1. Identify a compelling story to tell, and write it down.
2. Develop a plan to share that story by email, mail, and even text.
3. Identify ways to follow up with lapsed donors before year end.

7. Express Gratitude

There’s no time like the present to say thank you to everyone who supported you this year. (Hopefully you said thank you at the time they made their gift as well, but a second expression of appreciation never hurts.) Explore one of many video-based thank you services to easily create and send videos to your supporters (for example, Gratavid and ThankView).

8. Assume the Best

I started this list with “don’t assume” — as in “don’t assume the worst.” Conversely, DO assume the best. Assume you will raise the money you need and meet your goal. Then, act on those assumptions.

In other words, identify donors, call them, ask them for gifts, say thank you, and more — the full fundraising monty, as it were.

The Countdown is On!

The countdown to year end has started. Many nonprofit organizations will reach (or surpass) their fundraising goal. Some won’t. Which category your organization falls into is largely up to you.

One way to ensure you reach or surpass your fundraising goal is to work with me personally. If you want direct and personal and access to me to ask questions and bounce ideas, you should definitely join Mastering Major Gifts.

In addition, if your nonprofit is considering a capital campaign in the near future, check out this free webinar presented by Capital Campaign Toolkit:

Should you Start a Capital Campaign in a Down Economy?

What are you planning to do to raise more money this fall? Share your ideas in the comments.