Fundraising is never easy and it is becoming more difficult in this economic climate.  It’s a pity, because these are the times when our not for profits could really do with some extra support.

Everyone is asking for money.

How often do you have people knocking at your door, asking for money? Most family homes have at least one request each week whether it is from children selling chocolates to raise funds for their school or from large charities seeking assistance.  Everyone is out there asking for money.

Why would someone choose to give to your not for profit organisation?

A few have ruined it for the many.

If people are going to donate to charity they want to know that there money will get to the people who need it.  They understand that 100% of the money won’t get through – people do need to be paid – but they expect the majority to get through and make a difference.  When they see reports of overpaid executives or thousands of dollars “wasted” on a lavish Christmas party, why would they put their hands in their pockets at all?

How can you show how much money actually gets through and the difference it is making?

There is no connection.

Many of us choose the charities and not for profits we support because we have an emotional connection with them.  We choose to support breast cancer research because the disease has touched our families.  We support animal welfare groups because we’ve seen the results.  We support our schools because that’s where our children go each day.

How strong is your donor’s emotional connection with you and how could you improve it?

As you plan your fundraising and marketing strategies for the new financial year take some time to make certain you can answer each of these burning questions.  If you can’t answer them your fundraising efforts will not be as successful as they could have been.