When it comes to fundraising in the age of COVID-19, getting the most donations may depend on building relationships in your community.
How do you raise funds when you are in the middle of a global pandemic? During social distancing, many traditional strategies are simply not possible.
Brian Lacy, President and CEO of Brian Lacy and Associates, LLC., a professional fundraising firm, says there are ways for nonprofits and community-serving organizations to adapt and even thrive amidst the challenges of dealing with a pandemic.
Lacy advises that the greatest success in raising money for a cause has always been personal. “Major gift fundraising has driven success for many decades, and this has historically been achieved in face-to-face appeals.”
With social distancing making it hard to personally visit your donors and supporters, many organizations are turning to video conferencing calls and virtual fundraising events to gather support for their program. Lacy advises organizations to focus on making those connections.
When asking for donations, Lacy recommends reaching out in several different ways, such as posting on social media, sending email, making phone calls and sending snail mail. Make sure to prioritize “the best prospects and most consistent supporters,” he says.
Lacy says that donors are still looking to give large donations during COVID-19, but many organizations simply don’t ask for them.
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