WHAT TO DO NOW

It’s a challenging time for many across America, especially those of us who work to serve the greater good through purpose-driven nonprofits.

In times of uncertainty like this, it can be tempting to put on the brakes. However, if 2016 taught us anything, some likely policy changes from the new administration will result in a resurgence of support for organizations related to the headlining issues.

While we don’t know how giving will unfold in the coming months and beyond, and we don’t expect results to mimic the enormous increase in giving that occurred in 2016 post-election, we do know that continuing to get our message out to our community without pause and with direct asks supporting our essential mission is the optimal path forward.

Current trends show that we’re in greater competition for donors, especially among the declining population of donors giving $100 or less, and amongst those not feeling like the economy is stable or prosperous. So, pausing our efforts in this crucial time is likely to ensure that donations move to organizations that continue to fundraise.

As you launch your campaigns, be sure check your messaging to ensure it’s in line with your organization’s wider post-election messaging and is written in the most compelling manner to inspire immediate support.

Be cautious and purposeful about crying wolf too early or too often, especially about potential future threats, because your supporters can become immune to the message when the time comes that you REALLY need it.

Take care of yourself and each other and keep your donors close. You can’t communicate with your donors often enough during this time to make sure they know that they are appreciated and that you are diligently working every day to forward the causes they care deeply about.