“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.”
These are crazy crazy times. The philanthropic sector is being challenged. While the challenge doesn’t feel good right now, we need to look at this as an opportunity. An opportunity to implement the extraordinary . . . with extraordinary results.
If our mission was important last month, it is important today. Maybe even more so. That said, it is critical that we not stop philanthropy and all that goes with it.
If we do this, we will have success and our mission will do more good. Because “DOING MORE GOOD” is what it is all about.
Let this quote from Helen Keller guide you through these difficult times -- “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.” We can’t change the crisis, but we can change how we manage our organizations through it.
Many organizations feel they should take a step back and delay sending their Spring Appeals or other fundraising communications. We’ve heard organizations say, “we don’t want to be insensitive during this uncertain time by asking for money.”
Now more than ever, it is important to stay connected to your donors and supporters and engage more deeply and significantly. This is an opportunity to share our mission stories with those who have expressed an interest in the incredible work we do.
In the words of the late great Jerry Panas, “there is no perfect moment to raise money. The fact is that in good times and bad, Americans give to worthy causes. 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.”
Tom Peters tells that “If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade.” During these trying times, we need to not "pull down the shade" on our missions and those served as a result. We need to embrace the opportunity (however horrible it is) to DO GOOD.
Many organizations who have decided to move forward with their Appeals find themselves struggling with “do we go with our original theme for the appeal or do we change it to reflect the times”.
It is important that moving forward with our appeals means that we must:
“Philanthropy is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” ~ Hank Russo
There is joy in giving. Give your supporters the opportunity to be joyful in these less than joyful times.
When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents opportunity.
How will your organization look at your upcoming Appeal as an opportunity?
We’d love to hear how your Appeal turned out.