Five tips for fundraising in challenging times

I remember completing a risk assessment with a CEO of a small charity about 18 months ago and staring back at us upon suggestion of the insurance company was the very real risks of a flu epidemic. ‘Really?’ was our response. Would a flu epidemic really have such a strong impact? In the end, it wasn't the flu that made the impact - but it wasn’t far off. So, what can we do now to make sure we can ride out and dare we even say thrive in these challenging times?

1. Assess and keep re-assessing plans. Now is the time to recognise that even the best laid plans don’t always work out. Face-to-face events may no longer be an option - but there are so many great virtual opportunities out there and new grant opportunities are springing up seemingly every day. Given your team’s skills and resources and the expected ROI what is the best use of time?

2. Keep in touch with your supporters - tell them what you’re working on and why. How has COVID-19 impacted on your beneficiaries. How can they help?

3. Keep fundraising! A very wise person once said “if you don’t ask you won’t get” and this is so true! Of course, there are ways to say it and it should be delivered with compassion, relevance and be time relevant but please don’t stop!

4. Stay well. Take some time off and keep well. No-one can do everything and there are support agencies local to you who will want to help. Think about your local Community Foundation or Council for Voluntary Services, there to help and support

5. Point 1. Assess those plans and keep assessing - keep it short and well communicated so everyone knows what the plan is and their role within them.

Here are some free resources to help you weather the storm:

• Grants Online

• Charity Excellence

• Small Charities Coalition

If you need help considering your options please drop us a line or give us a call. We are always happy to share ideas and talk through potential next steps.