{"id":28686,"date":"2023-10-27T16:03:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T20:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/?p=28686"},"modified":"2023-10-27T16:03:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T20:03:07","slug":"engaging-community-fundraising-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.donorperfect.com\/nonprofit-technology-blog\/featured\/engaging-community-fundraising-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Engage Your Fundraising Community in Times of Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Who can you call on for help with a fundraising emergency?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

When your community is affected by an emergency situation or fundraising crisis – which could be anything from a flood or a fire to a school closing or a virus outbreak – it can be challenging to keep struggling families afloat and small businesses thriving. This is especially true if your nonprofit is a small-to-medium-sized operation with limited staff and resources. The good news is that you can make an impact in your community while still achieving your mission. <\/p>\n

How? Communities are kept vibrant through collaboration, and in an emergency, everyone can align around a common goal. The more people you have talking about relief efforts, the better. Working with others allows you to cast a larger net and expand your reach to new contacts.<\/p>\n

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Ask for help using these 5 tips:<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

You can band together with local businesses, organizations, and politicians to gain support and bring relief to your community. Events like cleanups, food drives, dinners, and walkathons will be more successful with more hands on deck. Here are some tips to connect with your fellow community members to make things happen.<\/p>\n

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1. Introduce yourself <\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Develop a connection with residents, businesses, and organizations in your community by supporting and promoting each other. <\/p>\n

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On social media<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Consider creating social media posts that introduce your Executive Director or board members, explain your specific goals related to the fundraising crisis, and seek to find others who share your compassion. Be sure to include photos so you will stand out in social media feeds, and tag collaborators so they can easily share posts with their network.<\/p>\n

Remember that the best way to build your own social media following is by following others! Look for local businesses and organizations that might be affected, or that serve those who have been affected by your emergency. Keep an eye out for new faces who may benefit from learning more about the work you do.<\/p>\n

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In-person<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

You\u2019re certainly not limited to social media for opportunities to introduce yourself. Don\u2019t be afraid to get out there and greet community members in person, but try not to solicit them right away. Instead of bringing business cards door to door or asking for donations, you can build more genuine connections by striking up a conversation while showing your support. Try patronizing local businesses, attending charity events, or sitting in on community meetings. When discussing the state of your neighborhood, possible solutions will come up naturally, and people will be eager to hear about how your nonprofit can help.<\/p>\n

After introducing yourself and your nonprofit in a community forum, whether it\u2019s online or in person, stay in touch to provide updates about what you have planned.<\/p>\n

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2. Give your constituents a voice<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

In order to bring relief to your community, it\u2019s necessary that you take time to listen to the needs and concerns of those you serve. When people feel like you will genuinely listen to them – and trust that you will take action based on what you\u2019ve heard – they tend to be more open with you and supportive of your efforts. Ultimately, these exchanges will allow your nonprofit to make better decisions and with more buy-in.<\/p>\n

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How to get good feedback<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

On social media, on your website, and at local events, invite feedback from community members about what they\u2019d like to see accomplished in the near future. Start by finding out their top concerns about the emergency situation, and ask what would make them feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Try to do this as often as possible, even after your fundraising crisis has subsided. Think of ways you can continue to solicit feedback on a consistent basis. Maybe you can host regular video calls with business owners and neighborhood organizations to discuss what they need. Maybe you can post weekly polls on your organization\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n

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3. Collaborate with other organizations<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n

Remember, instead of asking for donations straight away, it\u2019s better to ask community members to collaborate with you. This is an important practice in or out of a fundraising crisis, as it will help you form genuine relationships that stand the test of time.<\/p>\n

What does collaboration look like? You don\u2019t have to cold call anyone or slide into anyone\u2019s messages if you\u2019re not comfortable making a direct proposal. Instead, you can post a \u201ccall to action\u201d on your social media or website.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

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How to get good feedback<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n