Nonprofit leaders who survey the fundraising landscape will find somewhat conflicting evidence as they plan long- and short-term strategies. Consider the following statistics:
- Charitable giving increased the last four years, according to Giving USA. It follows an unprecedented two-year decline in 2008 and 2009.
- The four major stock indexes—the Dow, Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange and Standard & Poor’s 500—all posted double-digit increases in 2014.
- Giving to colleges increased almost 11 percent in 2014 and increased 37 percent between 2009 and 2013.
- Giving to the arts, culture and humanities sector and the environment and animals sector increased 22 percent between 2009 and 2013 while donations in the human services sector increased 5 percent, according to Giving USA. Giving in the religion sector decreased 2 percent and international affairs declined 16 percent during the same period.
At the same time, the 2014 Fundraising Effectiveness Project found that every $100 gained in 2013 was offset by $92 in losses through gift attrition. Every 100 donors gained in 2013 was offset by 102 in lost donors.
The fundamental bottom line: How do we get current and prospective donors to care about our organization and appreciate our work?
The Greater St. Louis Community Foundation is attempting to assist the region’s nonprofits through a campaign focused on one day to engage new or prospective donors and request a gift. More than 13,000 people donated $1.1 million during last year’s inaugural Give STL Day. This year’s campaign will be May 5.
Mary McMurtrey, the Director of Engagement for the Foundation, will present, “Social Media Strategies for Fundraising,” and provide more information on Give STL Day during this month’s Community Service Public Relations Council’s luncheon.
Join us at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 9, Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel (7730 Bonhomme Ave., St. Louis, Mo., 63105). (Complimentary parking is available in the hotel garage.) Fees for the lunch are $30 for CSPRC members, $40 for non-members and $25 for students.
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An effective social media strategy is a fundamental part of fundraising today. There are no silver bullets in today’s philanthropic environment, but digital channels provide an outstanding method to engage, educate and provide a call to action.
Do you need to develop a digital strategy? Is your current digital strategy producing the necessary results or outcomes for your organization? Join me during or after the presentation for a conversation on your organization’s digital effectiveness. Or, start the conversation by leaving a comment below.