What if it doesn't get better in 2009?
Paulson might be about six months too late, but at least he is warning people that these tough times are going to last months. As long as only 10% of economists are predicting that the economy will contract in the second half of this year... it's obvious that people still don't understand the extent of this problem.
Personally, I think fundraisers need to prepare for the fact that there will be no recovery in 2009. This is not a typical six month recession... and all those "expert" fundraising jokers who are out there saying that they have 30 years of experience fundraising and have survived many recessions in the past should be reminded that we need to be prepared for an extended period of fear and economic stress.
How would your fundraising plans change if you knew for a fact that there would be no recovery until 2010?
4 comments:
What a great opportunity for us to try new things, maybe really connect with our donors, and reach out to new populations. We can certainly stick our heads in the sand and go "woe is me", but I truly believe that opportunity exists out there if we focus less on the "MONEY" and more on the great work of our organizations.
i agree that the proverbial times are a-changing. wondering what this will mean for the fundraising job market. Guessing that it might mean the end of grassroots fundraising, because the middle and lower middle classes aren't going to be doing as well with all that's happening with the economy, environment, and energy.
curious to hear what others think on this
we have been experiencing many foundations rejecting our grant requests due to a decline in their portfolios. We are trying get our name in all areas(literature, hosting music events, even looking into getting our wine label, etcetera) but what more can one do in these touch economic times? people are not very interested in spending money on ANYTHING. it sounds like we all are going to have to streamline our budgets..
We might need to FURTHER develop our grassroots fundraising (vs. corporate and foundation grants) because even though the majority of middle class folk might have a reduction in ability to make big gifts, the Oboma internet phenom of gaining many small gifts might work for local organizations that have a caring group of community supporters. Individuals will continue to make their donations to their churches, etc. I think we will need to talk to our donors candidly, be effective and be real.
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