Several people last week asked me the same question, “How do you convince someone to donate?”
It’s a simple question that seems to have a lot of people stumped.
So… I took the time this week to answer them.
Here’s how I responded:
How to Get Donors
A faith-based Fundraising Strategy in 3 Steps
Apostolates regularly ask me, “How do I get donors?”
It’s a great question, especially with all the challenges surrounding us.
So with circumstances being what they are, I pivoted my fundraising strategy to “get” donors. I use quotations because this idea that we get donors is somewhat misleading.
Therefore, I want to share with you my strategy for “getting” donors with you. I think you will be inspired:
Donor Fatigue, does it really exist?
3 questions answered from Catholic leaders running apostolates
One of the saddest things I experienced about the pandemic was watching apostolates put the breaks on their mission.
I really enjoy helping Catholics fundraise, but it was heartbreaking to watch them stop everything.
Have you stopped, too?
I hope not. Today, I’m fielding questions that Catholics like you have asked me about fundraising.
Should you plan any events?
What to do about donor fatigue?
Which new ways should you start fundraising?
That’s what this week’s article is all about. You can check out my answers here:
3 Ways Coronavirus has changed Catholic Fundraising
Fundraising has changed because of the coronavirus, and I want to share with you what I've learned
Happy feast of Saint Matthias, the Apostle. As you know, it’s the month of May (the month of Mary), and we are five months – nearly halfway – into the year.
During these 134 days, the coronavirus likely sideswiped your fundraising.
Mine too.
I had to pivot a lot of my campaigns and move on to Plan B by using virtual methods.
But after running a few “virtual” campaigns, there’s a lot to like about these campaigns! Fundraising has changed because of the coronavirus, and I want to share with you what I’ve learned.
That’s what this week’s lesson is all about:
More Questions about Fundraising Answered
3 answers to common questions about how to fundraise for Catholic apostolates
When someone approaches me about helping them to fundraise, I immediately ask, what’s holding you back in your apostolate?
Over the past few weeks, I noticed a couple of common themes. You are unable to find donors. You are not sure which type of fundraiser is the best. You lack visibility into new prospects.
All of these can be real problems that hinder your progress… if you let them.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to all of them:
3 Common Questions about Fundraising Answered
What to do with an overabundance of non-profits asking, a poor community, and an unwillingness to change
Make sure to get your free copy of ‘The 10 Commandment of Catholic Fundraising’. It’s a book that highlights the ten tasks you should do to keep you focused on your mission and hit your fundraising target, every time.
Three Catholic apostolates asked me questions this past week that I thought you’d find interesting.
Here are the 3 questions:
Question #1 – How do I compete for donations when there are so many other non-profits asking, there is a lack of generosity, and most fundraisers use scare tactics?
Question #2 – Where can I raise funds if I live in a poor community?
Question #3 – What to do when your leaders don’t want to try something new?
People have asked me these questions countless times over the years, so I thought to share my answers with you because you might be asking them too:
Lost Donations during the Crisis? Here’s how to recover lost funds
3 Tips to Recover Donors during the Crisis
Make sure to get your free copy of ‘The 10 Commandment of Catholic Fundraising’. It’s a book that highlights the ten tasks you should do to keep you focused on your mission and hit your fundraising target, every time.
So in case you missed it, these past few weeks, I’ve been offering recommendations for how to fundraising during the COVID-19 crisis.
Saint John Paul II’s advice to Catholic Apostolates during a Global Pandemic
The Face of Generosity during a Pandemic
How to fundraise during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The biggest takeaway is to continue forward with your fundraising. Even among all of this chaos, people are generously giving.
The adage is true: When you ask, people say yes.
However…
If you’ve lost some donors these past weeks, don’t worry!
Now is the time to get them back. If you want to know what I’m doing to recover donations, now is time time to check out this week’s article.
PS – here is the link to the document I reference from SBA.gov
Please visit the SBA website for more information.
Also, I recommend visiting the website of the bank that you use. Your bank will provide you the step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a forgivable Payment Protection Program loan.