Times are changing. In our present economy, nonprofit organizations that once relied on government and grant funding are looking to individual donors for a greater percent of their operating revenues.  Truthfully, if done right, building and nurturing a base of committed givers can provide a stable, long-term source of revenue.  It’s going to take some time and research but it will be well worth the effort. 

People who volunteer give 10 times more than other Americans.  This 2009 study (found here) may be getting old, but our thinking still hasn’t caught up.

If volunteers give 10 times more, why don’t we see more not-for-profits completely reorganizing their fundraising and programming around this idea?   Why are so many of us treating donors and volunteers as though they are two different species?

My guess? Two things:

Small thinking - We’re thinking too small…too limiting…about what volunteers could and should do in our organizations.

Are you a non-profit trying to raise funds in these challenging times? For many it feels like everything is shifting from the tried and true ways of fund raising to the tired and blue ways. It's no secret that not-for-profit organizations are scrambling to identify and redefine the relevant and sustainable fund raising tactics that will support their mission during these challenging times. However they must also be future-focused, creating the goals, strategy and energy to carry them past this rugged period and well into the future. And though it will feel that such planning is stretching leadership and staff to their limits, it is critical that organizations know not only how to survive today, but what will it mean to thrive tomorrow.