According to the latest biannual survey of fundraisers conducted by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, confidence in the fundraising climate is still low. The good news is that fundraisers are more optimistic about generating donations in the next six months. The expectations measure, as it’s called, was 72.8, an increase of about 10 percent over six months ago.
In more good news, a report released this summer from Barclays Wealth says that wealthy donors would rather forego comforts than reduce their charitable giving, and more than three-fourths of those surveyed say they won’t decrease their giving because of the downturn.
And our clients are seeing proof. Last week, a human-services client received a $100,000 Capital Campaign gift, and a hospice house we worked with reached its Capital Campaign goal. This is more confirmation of what we’ve been seeing—and saying—recently: People are feeling more positive about the economy, people will give, people will support nonprofits they believe in, and big gifts are where the focus should be. But here’s the thing—you have to talk with donors, tell your story, build relationships, and yes, even ask.
What are you doing differently in this economy? Any tips you’d like to share?
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