Tough Times – Our Grand Opportunity Leading in Times of Trouble

By Linda B. Haley, CFRE, President & CEO
 
We all handle trauma differently, don’t we? We get quieter…louder…calmer…fiercer.
 
Some of us control and process. Some must talk it through. Some get numb. Some go faster. Some go slower or don’t go at all.
 
Working through Covid-19, we as nonprofit leaders should remember two key tenants:

• Every donor is different and will respond to this crisis in the way that belies his or her style and personality.
• We, as leaders, should not say “NO” for anyone…ever. In doing so, we steal a donor’s right to choose.

 
When talking about offering giving opportunities during this time, I’ve heard in the last few days the phrase “in poor taste” more than once from volunteers, board members, fundraisers. I believe those words come from fear. Fundraising is often done “in poor taste” – whether it’s in a time of crisis or not – but that doesn’t mean we have to do it that way today.
 
Our donors may want…even need…to give – time, energy, effort, and money. Although a few may pull back in fear, ignore your outreach, and hold on to their dollars, most will want to talk and listen and help and give.
 
So what can we do now that will help our nonprofits and our donors move forward?
 
Faithfully serving those for whom our donors care with integrity, strength, and our best intentions during this challenging time is something donors will honor…respect…and remember. Sharing that story and inviting donors to join us in the fight is a gift and NOT in poor taste. Everyone will appreciate your showing care and support. Your committed donors will want to know that you’re staying the course and serving those in your care. Many folks will still really want to give and help.
 
Try these steps:

1. First let’s all take a deep breath.
2. Limit your exposure to virus information to 20 minutes per day – marinating in the trauma does NOT help.
3. Avoid making any decisions, or asking others to make them, that don’t have to be made immediately – probably take at least another week to process the panic.
4. Call your best supporters just to check on them and update them on your situation. And avoid ADDING any panic here – share the best of the news you have to offer.
5. Finally, let’s all believe that it’s going to be alright…because it is. Together, we will come through and move on to brighter, better days, filled with hope, joy, and purpose.

 
If you’d like to chat about how to work with your donors and staff during this challenging time, call us at Let’s Build Hope at (314) 716-2496 or LetsBuildHope@lbh-stl.com. We still have 35 of the 40 free consulting hours we’ve committed to help the community through this crisis. Let’s get through this together!

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