The sudden onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic brought the whole world to a pause and triggered a decline in the world economy. In this environment where people are losing jobs, businesses are closing down, and people are relying on their savings to survive, many nonprofits have suffered.
Fundraising is the backbone of every charitable organization. When people don’t have enough money, they withhold from contributing to charities. Hence, the weakened economy, coupled with an uncertain future, adversely impacted nonprofit organizations, slowing down fundraising efforts.
Stay calm and follow the six tips below to collect funds during Covid-19, to support your nonprofit activities:
1. Stay Focused and Continue
Of course, Covid-19 has brought financial insecurity for people, organizations, and businesses. Getting nervous is understandable, but staying calm is the best strategy when the situation is uncertain and beyond our control.
Recall the financial crisis of 2008, when the revenues of many businesses and nonprofits declined. In contrast, some organizations stayed calm and despite the downturn, collected more funds than ever!
Remember: losing hope during tough economic times is not productive.
2. Expand Your Reach via Communication Tools
Expand your reach beyond local communities when collecting funds for your organization. Although air travel remains unadvisable, you can reach out to existing and potential donors through teleconferencing, virtual meetups, and webinars. Meet with individuals or groups via Slack, Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams. Continue to develop a relationship based on trust and maintain your fundraising goals.
3. Arrange Webinars and Online Meetings
What strategy can you implement to maintain fundraising during a lockdown? The best substitute for physical meetings and gala events is webinars. Although webinars cannot replace live events, they are effective in maintaining communication with existing donors and even attracting new contributors. Your organization can also move other fundraising ideas online. For instance, consider planning an online auction.
Consider scheduling webinars for 30 minutes since people are busy, however, offer an option for an additional 10-15 minutes for Q & A.
4. Be on the Outlook for Cybercrime
Cybercrime and phishing have accelerated these days. Cybersecurity is vital for the survival of both profit and nonprofit organizations. Make sure your organization is aware of fundraising scams. If you find out about a fake email highlighting your organization, inform your contacts as soon as possible. Caution them to donate funds to your official website and physical address.
5. Use of Social Media Tools
Marketing and promotion techniques have transformed 2020. Today social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn are the primary modes of promoting business products and services. The use of social media also provides many opportunities for charity organizations to collect funds. By posting images, videos, content, or even news updates, you can reach many donors not only within your community but also worldwide.
6. In-person Meetings
Where allowed, consider traveling by car to meet donors, maintaining social distancing, sanitizing your hands and wearing a mask at all times. Be sure to research and implement Covid-19 guidelines if you seek to organize an event for groups, whether at an inside or outdoor venue.
Final Thoughts
With the implementation of Covid-19 vaccinations worldwide, we pray and hope that the pandemic will end. Meanwhile, following these 6 tips will enable your nonprofit to succeed, even thrive in these challenging times.
Author Bio:
Myrah Abrar is a computer science graduate with a passion for web development and digital marketing. She writes blog articles for Carpet Cleaning.
