Donor Strategy

A newly released study by Fidelity Charitable indicates that 80% of major donors plan to give the same or more than they did last year, even in the face of this crisis. Further, the study indicated that most donors do not plan to shift their giving to different organizations in light of the pandemic; they will stay the course by continuing to support their favorite nonprofits and missions they are passionate about. As an added bonus, the recently passed CARES Act also expands tax deductions for charitable giving this year, providing many major donors with a powerful incentive to give more.

What does this mean for you? You need to simply ask.

Raising major gifts in the midst of this pandemic? You are likely concerned about your finances. A survey of nonprofits in early April by Charity Navigator and Reuters News showed that 83% of respondents reported they are suffering financially. The pregnancy centers and other prolife organizations we work with have shared their many concerns over their present and future financial situation due to cancelled or postponed events and donor job loss. These are legitimate concerns for ministries who depend on the generosity of others for their daily income.

One question we get all the time is “Do I really need two websites?” Our answer is a resounding YES! While it may feel like a lot more work, it actually can be very manageable and the payoff in terms of reaching clients and donors with more clarity is huge.

In this FREE download, we talk about why having two websites and two Facebook pages is beneficial, how to get started, and some of the results you can expect to see once you separate them out.

If you’re working from home and wondering how you can continue your marketing endeavors, we have a handy checklist you can use! Think of this time at home as a perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning for your pregnancy center marketing and communications.

In this guide, we cover some quick and simple things you can do to spruce up your online marketing, drive more traffic to your website, clean up your donor list and send more clients through your doors!

Did you know that for the past 45 years, charitable giving increased every year except for three (1977 – the height of the energy crisis and 2008/2009 – the great recession)? Those three years showed a decline in charitable gifts. However, during the 2008/2009 recession, the decrease was in giving that was not relationship based. Those who are most connected to nonprofits have historically stayed connected in hard times. Both your major gift development and faithful monthly givers will carry you through even in the hardest of economic downturns because of your strong relationship with them. Realistically, due to job loss and other factors, you have to expect some donors to take a break from giving. However, trends show that others will step up to help in a big way.

When we speak with pro-life organizations and pregnancy centers across the country, there is a common need expressed in every conversation – the desire for additional funds to have a greater impact. Whether its to help with growing your organization, increasing your staff, marketing, serving more clients, or advocating for life-affirming legislation and pro-life law makers, everyone needs more funding to put their passion into action.

Do you currently host an annual banquet or gala? At Choose Life Marketing, we consult with pro-life organizations of all sizes and missions, helping them achieve their fundraising goals. Though we have various strategies we suggest for successful fundraising, we recognize that many of these organizations rely on their annual events for a significant portion of their fundraising dollars.

One of the worst mistakes you could ever make is keeping your pregnancy center your community’s best kept secret. To reach both those considering abortion and new donors to help support your mission, you need to make yourself known through marketing well – in smart, strategic ways. 

In this FREE guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to create a positive buzz about what you’re doing and help more women learn about your services.

How do you get your Board to fundraise? Your board members do not necessarily have to be people of great means. They just have to be connected, willing to share their connections and willing to participate in the fundraising process. They are one of your greatest ambassadors in your community, especially as they connect friends and family to your organization, and build awareness through representing your organization within your community.

Congratulations! You’ve just closed the books on 2019 and you are ready to start a new year and new decade. Now is a good time to look back and analyze your 2019 fundraising strategy…the good, the great and the not so good. Ask yourself: “What worked and what didn’t?” and use this as you move on to planning for 2020 and beyond.  

The one thing that stands between you and the success of a major ballot issue, legislative initiative or election of a pro-life candidate in a tough race is enough funding to do all that is needed.

Have you considered a capital campaign to raise major funds? Your pregnancy center is growing and exciting things are ahead for your center and the people you serve. With growth comes opportunities to make an impact as well as a need for greater donor support. A capital campaign is a focused effort to raise significant dollars in a specified period of time. Often the money raised in a capital campaign is to fund the purchase or renovation of a building, but the campaign’s focus can also include building an endowment for the future. When implemented correctly, capital campaigns can be a highly effective fundraising tactic in addition to your regular fundraising strategy. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been running them for years, in this guide we’ll cover all the basics so you can feel confident running your own capital campaign.

It’s November – a month of thanksgiving. At Choose Life Marketing, we are so grateful for each one of you and all that you do each day as you faithfully serve moms, dads, and babies, making a difference for life!