By Jessica Ticus
As the COVID-19 pandemic is touching everyone, many nonprofits especially health and human services feel the impact acutely. Fundraising ismore critical than ever during this crisis.
If they can, donors will continue to support you. Consider sending an email appeal for immediate funding needs like prepaid Internet cards or more shelf-stable meals for the homebound. Post a special giving page on your website to encourage support and share stories of the impact of even the smallest donation.
Keep in touch with your key donors so you know how the coronavirus is impacting their families and their business. This may not be the time to ask for a major gift, but this is a relationship business and you want to check-in and see how your supporters are doing. Outreach to your volunteers will also be appreciated.
Seek grant opportunities for emergency relief from local community foundations and other aid organizations. The Chicago Community Trust and the United Way have established a website where donations are being solicited and potential grant recipients can provide information. Continue to work with your public officials as federal emergency relief funds become available.
Postpone fundraising events or move to a virtual format. Many event venues and caterers are open to rebooking with advance notification. Evaluate your resources and technical capacity to host an
interesting and profitable virtual event. While people are looking for something to do, the production quality needs to be high to keep the “gala” in gala.
Crisis is a precondition of communication, not only with people you serve, but also with those who support your mission. Your donors want to know how you are carrying on in these strange and scary times.