The COVID-19 pandemic has forced massive changes in the way nonprofits across the country raise funds. While it may be tricky to convince Donors that your cause still needs funds right now, it is essential that you do. So, how do you continue to engage anxious donors in these uncertain times? If you keep a cool head and incorporate these steps into your Fundraising strategy, you’re all but guaranteed to come out ahead.

• Stay calm and remain on course: Don’t retract during an economic crisis – adjust and most of all remain calm. If you stay on course and invest in your future fundraising efforts you will be better off than those organizations that have panicked and eliminated staff.
• Convene your board virtually: Zoom and similar apps have experienced a huge uptick since COVID19 took hold in this country. Since you will still need to strategize and meet with your members, Virtual Meetings make perfect sense. Moreover, during your virtual meetings you can take the opportunity to ask board members for their suggestions and insights as you continue to keep your board engaged.
• If you are in the midst of a capital campaign don’t stop: As we have said, try to stay on track during the current crisis. If you are in the middle of a campaign, it makes more sense to adjust than to stop raising funds completely. After all, a great number of resources must be used to plan and execute a fundraising campaign. If you stop midstream then you will be wasting the time and money spent by both your team and donors. 
• Thank your donors: Let your donors and sponsors know that you appreciate the sacrifices they have made during this time. After all, expressing gratitude goes a long way. Go out of your way to pick up the phone, handwrite notes or email donors and sponsors when you can. 
• Don’t make assumptions: Don’t assume that donors will simply not give at all. Some may not but others will realize the importance of your cause and continue to support you even if it is at a reduced level of funding. 

In short, consider how your beneficiaries have been impacted by the pandemic and how you can still support them. The above tips are just a few ways you can do so and keep your nonprofit afloat. We also recommend you use discount card fundraising for businesses that have reopened. Fundraiser cards are a great way to engage the public and sponsors at the same time. 

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