By Dawn M.S. Miller, CFRE, Vice President – Annual Fund
 
My kids are asking a lot of questions right now. When can they go back to school? See their friends? Go out to dinner again?
 
And the simple answer is…I don’t know.
 
Like you, I’ve never lived through a pandemic and certainly not experienced anything close to Covid-19. There’s no Pandemic 101 course I can easily access with a handy FAQ section outlining its impact on nonprofit fundraising. But I do know that this isn’t the first time that fundraising has been bumpy. And I also know we’ve survived other rough spots and learned a lot about ourselves and each other along the way. I would imagine we’re going to learn new fundraising lessons in the coming weeks as we journey through this pandemic.
 
So maybe that’s a bright spot…this pandemic may push us to think and work in new fundraising ways and with donors. It could usher in a new era of fundraising innovation. Now that’s exciting!
 
When I was a baby fundraiser, there was so much I didn’t know or understand about the nonprofit world. Then I learned. When this pandemic started, each nonprofit mission did not suddenly become obsolete. I know this is true. Your donors did not give up on your vital work overnight. I did not have to learn this either – it is true!
 
It’s ok not to know everything to do for your nonprofit right now. You’ll learn. I’ll learn. And we’ll be better together and strengthen the nonprofit sector. But we also can’t give up and let Covid-19 win while our nonprofits lose. This is non-negotiable.
 
At Let’s Build Hope, we might not have all the answers about fundraising in the day of Covid-19. But we know each nonprofit has a heart in the community and each mission matters. We know making quick decisions without considering the long-term impact can hurt nonprofits for years to come. We’ve learned that listening to our donors, Board, staff, and key stakeholders is critically important. We know we can’t let our personal unease influence others – especially when it comes to donors and their desire to give during this time. We know we have to stay the fundraising course and continue to raise money now, not months down the road. We know we have to be authentic and communicate with integrity. And we know we have to lean into the discomfort and know that this too shall pass.
 
We can still come together, even if we’re required to stay six feet apart. Sometime soon our kids will go back to school, and we’ll all go out to dinner again. Until then, let’s continue to learn together, work together, and continue to be a voice in our communities. As always, call us or send us an email if you need us – we’re here for you!
 
#LBH #LetsBuildHope #StayTheCourse #FundraisingHope #ComeTogetherWhileStayingApart

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!

By Beth Krumm, MEd, Senior Consultant
​
Everywhere we turn these days, we are getting bombarded with messages about what we can’t or shouldn’t do during this Covid-19 pandemic. It is no wonder we are hearing from clients asking about what they CAN do about fundraising during this time. It is natural to want to pull back on fundraising activities, but we here at Let’s Build Hope believe that through all this, there is reason to, well, HOPE.
 
The mission of your organization hasn’t changed. The clients you serve still have the same needs as they did before this crisis. Your donors still care about your organization and want to know what you are doing and how they can support your work.
 
It’s important not to make assumptions about what your donors will or will not do in this situation. The best way to find that out? Ask them!
 
Now is the time for more communication with your board and donors, not less. Reach out to them to see how they are doing/feeling. Ask how their family or business is doing. Share good news with them about a program that they’ve supported. Communicate the impact the crisis is having on your organization and how it’s affecting those you serve (you may be surprised at the number of donors who will step up with a gift in support). Make sure they know that you appreciate them in good times and in difficult times. If you can’t meet with them personally, pick up the phone or send them a handwritten note.
 
Many of you have had to make the difficult decision to cancel fundraising events. Instead of trying to find a date to reschedule later in the year, consider a virtual gala or a 24-hour fundraising event. “Social distancing” doesn’t mean that we should stop being social. Get creative. Consider asking would-be guests to join your giving club that will help sustain the organization year-round.
 
You should also be talking to your board about any event that you’re considering postponing or cancelling. Keep them apprised of your plans and ask their advice. Give them alternative solutions (instead of “We’re cancelling the gala,” try asking “We’re thinking of holding a virtual gala and here’s how it would work. What do you think?”)

For those of you whose fiscal year ends June 30th, have you started on next year’s annual plan? If not, now is a good time to really dig in, review and revise your case statement, and develop strategies to achieve your annual goals.
 
Last, but certainly not least, take care of yourself. Take a break from watching or listening to the news, take a walk around the block, do some yoga, make sure you’re eating well and getting plenty of sleep. Be kind to those around you. Stay calm and stay the course.
 
And if you need advice on the plan for your organization? Call us at Let’s Build Hope or send us an email – as always, we’re here for you!