Fundraising is a Bigger Challenge in 2010

The Chronicle on Philanthropy released its latest Philanthropy 400 report on October 18. This report showed that donations to the nation's biggest charities dropped by 11% overall in 2009. This was the biggest decline in the 20 years the Chronicle of Philanthropy has kept a tally. The report includes the top charities raising money from the public and the charities included in the 2009 report raised a total of $68.6 billion in contributions. The national United Way and Salvation Army, both based near Washington, continue to dominate the ranking, despite the 2009 declines. An earlier report by the Giving USA Foundation found overall charitable giving declined 3.6% in 2009. This report included giving to private foundations and to smaller charities.

Those of you who have attended the Introduction to Fundraising workshop (which will be held again December 7-8, 2010) know that getting and continuing to receive donations from individuals who have a relationship with your organization are the best ways to obtain general operating support. Key to this strategy is developing a relationship with your donors. Perhaps their support will be less in tougher economic times. In some cases, donors will choose the organizations they most care about and feel they get the best value for their contributions. Doing business the same as usual will not change the fundraising results in more challenging times. How can you improve your fundraising strategy? Now is the time to look at which staff, board members, or development committee volunteers can benefit from attending the workshop and practicing these skills. Jamie Levy is an excellent instructor who connects with attendees helps them learn how to effectively work with donors. Sign up for the workshop today and help your organization through these tough times.