The Star Tribune has a series of articles about the recession’s effect on nonprofits:
- Trouble Ahead for Minnesota’s Nonprofits
- Charities’ Dilemma: More Need while Fewer Give
- Saving an Agency by Shrinking It
From one of the articles:
The recession of 2008 has hit nonprofits harder and faster than previous recessions. And because more than half of nonprofits get most of their individual donations in the fourth quarter, they are already seeing donations plummet.
So what are nonprofits to do in the face of smaller donations and potential government cuts? Here are some suggestions:
- Nonprofits Assistance Fund executive director Kate Barr says one response is to find creative ways to raise money online.
- A Star Tribune blogger says that nonprofits need to learn how to tell their stories, if they want to receive money from him.
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy is tracking local newspapers that help readers give. For example, the Washington Post has an interactive map that shows charities in the D.C. area. Is anyone in Minnesota doing this?
- Nonprofit Communications blogger Kivi Leroux Miller says that nonprofits still have time for their even-more-important holiday fundraising e-mail appeal. Find an archived radio broadcast on this topic and many more resources about how to take advantage of end-of-year giving.
How can individuals help?
- New Voices of Philanthropy blogger Trista Harris is looking at you: “Foundations do not have the funds, expertise, or vast network needed to get us out of this mess but YOU do.” Read her suggestions for how to be proactive and get involved.
- The Pittsburgh Gazette says that Giving Cards May Be the Perfect Gift. The New York Times had a similar article last December. Update: The Washington Post and Associated Press also have articles about charity gift cards.
- For individuals looking for the perfect organization to support, Charities Review Council has a Holiday Giving Guide.
- Volunteer. Hands On Twin Cities has lots of local projects.
Join the conversation: How else can we all help nonprofits through the recession?
December 23, 2008 at 10:05 am |
A great way to raise money for non-profits: join up with an existing event like a marathon or smaller running event, and ask for numbers to run for charity. The best part is. . . you don’t have to organize it :)
Here’s a post about how to get started:
http://www.onlinefundraisingblog.com/2008/12/marathons-raise-more-money-for-your-nonprofit/