Fundraising in Tough Times

With this very difficult situation affecting nonprofit organizations and institutions here in the US and around the world, we would like to share with you a piece Jerry Panas wrote during the 2008 financial crisis. In so many ways, it seems very appropriate for today.

It’s a puzzling phenomenon. It may seem counterintuitive, but in tough financial times people actually give more. But they give to organizations they care greatly about. Those organizations that have done an outstanding job of thanking them properly and often, and where they feel their gift has been celebrated and used effectively. Donors become more selective in tough times. They choose organizations that demonstrate how much the donor means to those the organization serves.

Some Surprising Advantages

There is no “perfect moment” to raise money. There is no such thing as a time when all possible factors are in your favor.

But there are some surprising and significant advantages to raising funds in tough times.

This may surprise some. But we find that economic conditions are not a prime factor in the success of raising funds or in a campaign. Philanthropy has been one of the most stable factors in the economy, year in and year out. From the time we’ve been keeping records, philanthropy has increased steadily, each year more than the year before.

In fact, since 1980, we have experienced five “official” recessions— and still, philanthropy has continued to grow. Each year more than the year before.

The plain fact is in good times and bad, Americans give to worthy causes. But when times are difficult, they seem to respond with even greater dedication, generosity, and a genuine sense of sacrifice. They will allow nothing to interfere with their fervor in supporting worthwhile causes.

The Campaign that Never Was

Through 24 Tax Revisions since 1980, a Standard & Poor Index that looks like a roller-coaster, and economic peaks and valleys— Americans support those organizations they believe in. They have never failed.

Not raising money when you are ready causes program deficits. Not raising money when you are ready means you are not meeting needs. Not raising money when you are ready results in a mission unfulfilled.

If you do not build, or go forward with your project— the services of your organization will be less than you believe they should and could be. Less than what they must be.

Look at it this way. The real loser is not the campaign that raises only 85% of its goal. The great failure is the campaign that never gets off the launching pad. Zero! 85% beats zero any day.

Waiting for precisely the right time to raise money, and keeping an anxious eye on the economic barometer, is not the prudent answer.

What is truly good stewardship is taking the time and thought to prepare properly. Creatively conceived, carefully prepared, and tightly organized fundraising programs and campaigns win— in both good times and bad.

Not One Day Before

Here’s what you need to remember. If you are not properly prepared, your fundraising program is almost certainly doomed to failure. In good times and bad.

Is there a good time for your organization to raise money? Yes. When you are ready. That is a good time to raise money. Not one day before.

There is one way to be certain to find out if you’re ready. It is fail-proof. You can be assured there will be no surprises.

Conduct a feasibility study to determine your state of readiness. All fundraising firms of quality offer and assist in this service before undertaking a fundraising program.

The study will evaluate accurately your readiness and determine the amount you can raise. The assessment will help you to design a strategy that assures the success of your program.

Our firm’s research people have looked carefully to determine if there is some relationship between the fluctuations of our economy and the results of fundraising. There’s no correlation.

We hear it often: “People are worried about the future . . . the times aren’t good— and they won’t give.” But we have been hearing some trustees making those same observations for the past 40 years that the firm has been in operation. When you look at the data, it appears quite clear that giving is not based on the economy.
Here’s what we find. As the economy rises, giving rises with it. But seldom as fast as the economy. Now here’s what’s interesting. When the economy declines, philanthropy continues to increase. But at a slower pace.

Nonprofit philanthropy continues to grow even in the most difficult of economic times. It has since we’ve been keeping track.

This will surprise you. In boom periods, Americans give a lower percentage of their income. But in tough times, they give more. That’s right— more !

Tough Times Can be Good
Get out your highlighter because what comes next is most important of all. The best time to raise money is when you are prepared. Nothing else is of greater significance. No other consideration is as important.

Here’s what is most fascinating. There are actually important advantages to raising funds in tough times.

1. You will plan and prepare more carefully. There will be riveting attention to detail.
2. You will settle only for first-choice leaders. And you are more likely to enlist the best because competition for their time will be less encumbered.
3. Your leaders will take their campaign responsibilities more seriously. They will understand the need for longer and more careful preparation. And they will appreciate your higher standards of selection and performance.
4. There will be fewer competing campaigns to interfere with your prospective givers.
5. The fact you are raising funds in tough times and in the face of challenging economic conditions underlines the importance of your cause. And the urgency.

People give to causes that are worthy. Philanthropy has grown each year, the new year more than the one before. But in difficult times, people dig deeper and give more to the organizations they care most about. All of the evidence points to this.
It is quite clear that difficult times emphasize the urgency and drama of compelling needs.

Obviously, we don’t suggest you wait for hard times. We recommend only that you be prepared. And when you are— you’re ready to launch a successful campaign and raise significant funds. In good times and bad.