5 coronavirus myths they might be killing your fundraising

You know that Nigerian prince who writes to you now and then with a deal where he says you'll end up with a couple million dollars?

I think that guy has become a consultant to nonprofits during the coronavirus crisis. His advice to his nonprofit clients about what to do is about as good as his former investment offers.

And a lot of fundraisers are listening to him.

That's my best explanation for the destructive myths that are floating around the nonprofit world right now. It could be some other reason.

However the bad info is getting spread, we need commonsense antidotes to it, and we need it now!

Here's help, at the Bloomerang Blog: a webinar by the excellent Andrea Kihlstedt called 5 Harmful Coronavirus Fundraising Myths.

Here are the myths and their corresponding truths:

• Myth 1:People don't have money to give right now. Some don't. Some do. Some are doing better than usual. Truth: This is a good time to ask.
• Myth 2:It's bad taste to ask now. Some make it seem that fundraising right now would be like doing a comedy routine at a funeral. Truth: Asking with a generous spirit is never in bad taste. People feel good when they give. Should we decide for them that they won't give?
• Myth 3:Our organization doesn't serve an essential need. Most of us don't. But that's okay. Truth: If you were relevant before the crisis, you are still relevant now.
• Myth 4:Donors don't want to hear from you. They're too sad, too distracted, too harried. Not really. Truth: It's always nice to know someone is thinking about you, especially now. Most donors love to hear from you.
• Myth 5:You should stop your capital campaign now. It seems kind of off-point, doesn't it? Truth: You may need to extend your deadlines, depending on what phase you are in, but don't stop! Donors cared before and they still care now.

Myths: BUSTED.

This is a difficult time, but it's a good time to be raising funds. Donors are responding. This might change over time, but it hasn't yet.

from Future Fundraising Now https://ift.tt/2SAmzgN