It's Time for Faith-based Non-profits to Get Creative

How can a faith-based non-profit organization survive in this down economy when businesses and individuals are cutting back even on the essentials? It’s time to get creative. Circumstances may have changed, but the people who are helped by what you do or provide still need you and your services – maybe even more. The same old newsletter or annual giving letter to the usual donors is no longer enough. Here are a few things to do that might even help you grow in this economy:

1. Communicate more. Get in touch with your major donors - on the phone or for lunch and remind them that what your organizations does is vital and they are vital to the organization. Now more than ever. If you don’t have an electronic or printed newsletter, start one. Seek out a PR firm that might be willing to work with you pro-bono or at a reduced rate. Let donors and potential donors know how lives are being changed through your organization. People want to participate with organizations that are making a difference. Let them know that with God’s help you are.

2. Don’t shy away from your mission. In an effort to appeal to a broader base of donors, some organizations will “soften” their language and take some of the overtly Christian references out of their materials and off their websites. But your best and most faithful donors give because they believe in what your are doing and, most importantly, why you are doing it. Be who you are and people will respond to your authenticity.

3. Try something new. Don’t let fear keep you from getting creative. I know of a non-profit organization who recently felt led to put on a golf tournament to raise funds and awareness. They had no past experience doing this – none of the staff knew much about or even played golf – but nevertheless they had a completely successful, sold-out event that garnered much more awareness for the organization and more opportunities to grow their donor base from the participants. Try some on-line promotions if you haven’t in the past, or try a new event related to your mission. Do something you haven’t done before and you will reach people you haven’t been able to in the past.

4. Don’t lose your long-term sight. The tendency in times like these is to hunker down and just survive. Cutting back where necessary and being mindful of where you spend is certainly a good thing to do, and something donors would expect. But now is the time to remind yourself of the long-term vision of your organization, pray for guidance, and think creatively of how you might get there.

And remember this – historically, studies have shown that giving tends to go up in down economies.

If you take some steps to get creative and let people know how lives are being changed, your organization could not only survive, but thrive. 

God bless.