Nonprofit CEOs and Fundraising in the Great Recession

You are in the office on Sunday afternoons. You are in the office late. You worry about money and are looking into the abyss. Where will you find the revenue to make budget, to make payroll, to fund your educational programs – and to begin to grow again?

As a former nonprofit CEO, I know the problem personally, and I can tell you, you are not alone. According to a survey conducted by the Nonprofit Research Collaborative (NRC), only 52 percent of charitable organizations met their budgeted fundraising goals in 2010. Larger nonprofits with more resources to raise money did better than small organizations.

The good news is CEOs can put their nonprofits on stronger financial footing – even in these challenging times. Specifically, here are three steps to getting through a rough patch:

1. Rally your development team. Bring in lunch, hold a retreat, pool knowledge and develop a 90-day plan with a clear dollar goal. Share the plan with your whole staff and top volunteers. Get everyone involved. Reaffirm your mission, sharpen your message and communicate, communicate, communicate with mailings, emailings, and in person meetings.
2. Brief the Board. Put away the happy face and show them the problem – and the solution. Ask them to dig deep and give their maximum gift.   Also ask them to assist in fundraising by making introductions, securing and attending meetings with prospective donors and sending personal notes, making telephone calls and accompanying you to meetings with top donors.
3. Finally, put on your solicitor hat and meet with your top donors in person. They already are sold on your mission and believe in you. Thank them for all they have done in the past and lay out the vision for the future. Ask for special gifts at this critical time to make that vision a reality.

Is it easy to raise money? No, but it is always possible for a good cause well communicated. A.C. Fitzgerald & Associates is available to help you reach your goals. For more information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 877-528-5775.