Charities that Provide the Basics Attract New Donors Holly Hall - Philanthropy.com
go to original May 19, 2012

Charities that provide food, shelter, and other basic necessities have struggled to keep up with exploding demand for services in the sluggish recovery. But donors have stepped up their giving to cover at least some of the increased needs, a new study suggests.

Still, holding onto those new donors has been a challenge; some of the charities say many donors stopped giving after two years or more.

The number of donors to 13 religious shelters nationwide increased by 12 percent, to 15,555 people, from 2008 to 2010, before declining slightly last year to 15,421, according to an analysis of donations of $10,000 or less by Brewer Direct, a marketing-consulting firm.

The dollar value of donations during that time increased by 30 per cent to more than $1.8-million.

The size of the average gift grew from a low of $152 in 2008 to $175 last year, and the number of gifts made annually also rose, from 2.6 to 3.2 gifts per donor in 2011.

But the missions are now losing nearly 30 percent of their multiyear donors annually, so the future isn’t looking as bright, said Randy Brewer, president of the consulting company.

Some missions in the study did better than others. At the Allentown Rescue Mission, in Pennsylvania, for example, the number of donors increased in 2008 and 2009, but its total giving drooped by about 20 percent in those years. And while the mission is now raising as much as it did in 2007, fundraising is harder, says Gary Millspaugh, executive director.

“We know that a lot of active donors in their 60s and 70s are helping adult children who lost their jobs,” he says. “It is somewhat encouraging that we got more people to give, but the level of giving tells us that there are still difficulties in getting people to give more or the same as they used to. ”

Mr. Brewer, the consultant, said he’s helping the missions try new ways keep more donors from withdrawing their support.

For example, some groups are asking for smaller sums and making phone calls to follow up on direct mail.

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By implementing highly creative fundraising ideas, your charity or nonprofit organization can often attract new donors to help support your activities. Creative fundraising ideas can do more than simply boost donations; they can actually improve your organization’s public image and enhance your position in the community.

Here are 10 creative fundraising ideas that can help you attract more donations and secure the financial future of your organization:

1. Gourmet pizza. Pizza is one of the easiest and most popular menu items and can be frozen for later use. By selling homemade gourmet pizzas to benefit your organization, you can often achieve higher revenues and greater public recognition.
2. Adopt a project. For organizations that conduct a number of activities within the local community, offering donors the chance to adopt a specific project can sometimes produce higher donation levels than a general appeal for funds.
3. Bachelor auctions. A bachelor or bachelorette auction can be a solid moneymaker for your organization. By auctioning off an evening with an eligible gentleman or lady, you can raise funds for your organization at very little upfront expense.
4. Dog wash. Especially for animal welfare organizations, dog washes are a fun and creative alternative to car washes and can raise significant amounts of money for your cause.
5. Nature walks. Environmental groups can raise money by offering hosted nature walks for a small donation to your cause. These walks can be offered by appointment or at predetermined times throughout the year.
6. Custom catering. Your group can offer catering services ranging from simple sandwiches and finger foods to elaborate casseroles and dinners, depending on the skill level of your staff and volunteers. Custom placemats can raise awareness of your cause while donations can help to support your work.
7. Mother’s day out. Many charitable organizations and religious groups offer morning or afternoon babysitting services for a small donation. Your group may be able to provide a valuable service to the community, thus raising public awareness while at the same time raising funds for your cause.
8. Coffee breaks. You may be able to arrange with local employers to offer coffee and pastries on their premises in return for donations. At the same time, you can increase public recognition for your group and its activities.
9. Decorated t-shirts. One of the most creative fundraising ideas is a t-shirt decorating booth designed for children to make their own themed t-shirts for a small donation. A supply of white or colored t-shirts and fabric paints are all that you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing activity.
10. p By working with local businesses, you can often raise funds more effectively. A designated night at a local restaurant with a portion of the proceeds going to your organization or a cooperative fundraising effort with another charitable group can reap benefits for both parties.

Randall Davidson - Fundraiser-Ideas.net

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