Compared with the first half of 2018, giving in the first half of this year was :
Overall dollars raised: Down 7.3%
Number of donors: Down 5.8%
Gifts of $1k or more: Down 8.2%
Gifts of $250 – $999: Down 3.5%
This puts enormous pressure on the end of the year. So what can you do to ensure your year finishes strong? I’ve pulled together a collection of some of my best advice from prior blogs to help guide you to success.
A lot of money is given in the final 3 days of the year. What can you do to finish strong? Here are 5 things you can do to ensure your organization starts the New Year strong!
The next few weeks are essential to nonprofits. 25% of all donations for the year come in between November 14 and December 14.
There is an out-pouring of gifts this time of year because people feel generous this time of year.
Many families decide that this is a great time to make sure that they teach their children about charitable giving and volunteerism. Some parents feel it’s especially important at this time of year to help children understand gratitude and the real meaning of the holidays. Still others are motivated by a desire to counter-balance the season’s commercialism and the focus on materialistic presents and desires for nonessential items.
I love committees. I’m serious. I do. Those of you who know me personally know, I’m an extrovert. I’m energized by being in a room full of other people. I love brainstorming and discussions.
But there are somethings a committee shouldn’t do and writing your end of the year appeal letter is one of them.
Recently, a friend of mine who is an Executive Director, asked me what to do. He was concerned that his organization was not going to make their fundraising goals for the year. “What should we do?” he asked.
First things first. The year is not over yet! I was pretty upset that it’s not even October and this Executive Director had already said “ain’t gonna happen!” Whoa, my friend! As my mama always said:
“Can’t never could!”
You still have time to re-double your efforts. Pull your team together. This is a moment for him, as Executive Director, to demonstrate leadership. He needs a battle plan. Get all hands on deck. I mean all hands on deck: board members, staff members, volunteers.
If you have a long way to go to goal, decide what each person can do. Give people specific assignments. Make sure that people have the tools they need to succeed also. If you want board members to send out emails, write the emails for them. Board members can edit them, but it helps them to get going to not have to start from scratch.
Here are a few strategies that have helped me be very successful in year-end giving:
At this time of year, a good fundraiser is like a dog with a bone. She’s sunk her teeth into the organization’s fundraising goal and she’s unwilling to let go.
And with good reason. There are still things you can do to make your goals. Don’t give up on your goal or on yourself. There are 5 and ½ weeks left in the year. If you haven’t yet met your fundraising goals for the year – It’s not too late!