Advice that May Help Achieve Nonprofit Success in the Remainder of 2009

In speaking with several nonprofit executives over the past few months, it is evident that nonprofit organizations, as are others, are still struggling. Money is really tight and fund raising is down. As we hit the halfway point for the year, many organizations are facing the reality that this is not going to be a successful year and certain changes are going to be necessary. Some of these changes may include staff layoffs, downsizing of office space, reducing or eradicating projects that involve printing and mailing costs and eliminating travel, conferences, training and other opportunities that would enhance the organization. I will share what I believe are important elements for surviving these difficult economic times.

• Go back to your core annual donors (both present and lapsed) and ask them to support you again. If the ask was made through an annual donor letter campaign in the past, you may want to make a personal phone call this time. Who knows, a $100 gift might turn into a larger gift if you have an opportunity to explain your circumstances.

• You should already have personal contact with your major gift donors, but I would use the same approach. If they gave $5000 last year or in previous years, have a frank conversation with them about your situation. It may help shore up the same amount of the previous gift or even secure a larger gift. But you need to walk away with something from these core supporters.

• Explore partnerships that may involve government dollars. There are a lot of funds are out there through the federal government and they are from a variety of sources. There is stimulus money, faith-based funds and other sources through various governmental agencies. Learn about these opportunities and see if there is a good fit for your organization. Do your homework and find a partner if that is what it takes.

• Build relationships with foundations whose mission coincides with your mission. Let them hear from you and learn about you. Communicate throughout the year and not only when you are seeking funding. A foundation feels much more comfortable providing funds to an organization it knows and trusts.

• Push your board and other internal stakeholders to give and to help obtain funds. They are as close as anybody to your mission. Fund raising should never be a complete staff function, but staff can facilitate ways for others to find donors. I would start with your board.

The economic climate is troublesome and there are many external factors that are affecting success, but make sure you are doing everything you can with your organization’s internal decisions and strategies. The year is only half over and there is still time to have some successes in the second half of the year. Good luck with your efforts.

Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina.