Can you still fundraise during COVID?

Fundraising During COVID-19: What Still Works Today

Over this past year, many nonprofits have been forced to hit pause on their fundraising efforts for safety and economic reasons. If you’re a nonprofit, you know this better than anymore. With the pandemic still in full force, and nonprofits struggling now more than ever, it’s important to start thinking about fundraising again—and how to do it safely and effectively during this time.

By adjusting to the societal changes and making a few adjustments to your strategy, your nonprofit can continue fundraising and connecting with supporters during the pandemic. Here are 5 tips to help your nonprofit with fundraising efforts during this critical time.

1.Go virtual

While a lot of traditional fundraising methods, such as events and campaigns, aren’t able to happen right now, you can still host virtual events and encourage supporters to attend. For example, you could host a virtual gala instead of an in-person shindig. Encourage supporters to get dressed up at home, listen to a keynote speaker or watch a musical performance from their couch, and contribute to your nonprofit through an online auction. While this experience won’t be the same as an in-person gala, it’s still an opportunity for your supporters to band together and show their support.

When it comes to campaigns, consider moving your efforts to social media. Crowdsourcing campaigns thrive in digital environments. Just set up a profile on a crowdsourcing platform, customize the page with details about your nonprofit, and share the site out on your social media platforms. Any supporters that follow you can share it as well, which will only increase the number of people who see it and can contribute.

2. Take advantage of direct mail

Direct mail is one of the most successful marketing strategies available—even with all of the digital channels today. As a nonprofit, you can easily take advantage of direct mail for a fundraising letter campaign. Choose a postcard or letter design, grab your donor list, and start writing! Make sure your letters include the necessary components for a successful donation request: an emotional appeal, an explanation of how the donor can help, and instructions on how to contribute. Once you’re finished, mail out your letters and wait for the donations to come in. Not sure where to begin? Early Express can help you create a targeted mailing list to get the word out.

3. Keep conversations going

With everything going on, your instinct might be to avoid talking to donors and supporters. In reality, that’s the last thing you should do. This is the time to reach out, check in and ask for assistance. Make a list of your top donors and schedule virtual meetings with each of them. You can start off the conversation by asking how they are doing. Then, share how the pandemic has impacted your nonprofit and the clients you serve. Tell them exactly what you need to keep providing the services you were previously. Many donors will gladly rise to the occasion and help out if they can. You might be surprised.

4. Bring out the brochures

There’s a good chance you have some brochures advertising your nonprofit laying around. Now is a good time to bring those back out and put them to use. Drop off a few brochures (safely!) at local restaurants or shops that are still open in your community. You can also drop off brochures in mailboxes of neighborhoods with audiences that would respond well to your nonprofit’s services. Don’t have a brochure for your nonprofit? Early Express’s online print store can help you create a high-quality brochure and ship it to you fast. Make sure to include information on what services your nonprofit provides, how it benefits the community, and how supporters can contribute or donate to the cause.

5. Say thank you

Now more than ever, it’s important to spread your gratitude. Take the time to extend genuine and heartfelt thank you’s to supporters and donors who have stuck by your side. Pick up the phone to call them, write them handwritten notes or say thank you in person if you get the chance. This gesture will go far, especially during times like these when people are stressed and could use some joy and love.

Whatever you do during these unprecedented times, just remember to keep your head up, carry on and don’t stop trying. Your clients need you more than ever, and your donors and supporters need to know what they can do to help you provide your services. As a small business located in Dayton, OH, Early Express understands that these are difficult times. We are here to support you and your business in any way we can.

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