I’ll start with the obvious: No one knows how this fall’s fundraising campaigns will do.
We are at in a turbulent time. Global pandemic. Rising unemployment. Stimulus checks. Divisive election. World powers butting heads.
Us analyst rely heavily on past data to give us insight into the future. It is not a perfect model, but it usually does provide a beneficial view of what to expect next.
However, to use the most overused word of 2020 . . . our current situation is . . . unprecedented.
So, while there is a lot I don’t know, there are some things we can all rely on this fall:
- Donors respond strongly to great need. And need has never been greater. Anything an organization can do to anchor its offers around the current needs will do better than those that do not.
- Your organization won’t raise any money if it isn’t actively asking. So, whatever you do, make sure you are communicating and asking your donors.
- Because of all the media noise, election years tend to be a little more challenging when it comes to acquiring new donor and securing larger gifts – but with the escalated needs, this year could be different. Don’t sit out acquisition.
- Election or not, your loyal donors will continue to give this fall. Don’t hesitate to ask for their support.
The other thing you can rely on is that in January, when the dust settles and the fall campaigns are entered in your databases, we will be reporting back on how your donors responded in this unprecedented season.