Hi everyone,
Here's a link to a study by the Bridgespan Group about nonprofits managing through tough time: http://www.bridgespan.org/managing-in-tough-times-survey-update-november-2009.aspx that was covered in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
None of us will be surprised to learn that many of the deeper effects of the recession are just starting to fully play out with nonprofit organizations. But, the study astutely points out that, "while the hardship of prolonged financial pressure cannot be overstated, many organizations appear to be making the difficult decisions that may gain them stronger footing as market conditions improve in the future."
We are seeing evidence of that here with our current and prospective nonprofit clients. The organizations that are going to get to the other side of this situation stronger are making a conscious effort today to reach out and connect with their core supporters. They recognize that their relationships have never been more important than right now. We are glad that so many are choosing GiftWorks to help manage and sustain these critical relationships.
As Bridgespan reports, "While tough times force hard choices, they can also bring people together. As a result of the recession, many nonprofits are reaching out and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. Indeed, 69 percent of organizations we surveyed are developing new plans to communicate with stakeholders, 88 percent are investing more deeply in relationships with core funders, and 77 percent are engaging their boards or a subset of their boards to address the financial ramifications of the downturn. Reaching out to key supporters is often a nonprofit’s first line of defense in a crisis."
I hope you find this report helpful. Please do share your insights in managing your organization through the Great Recession.
Mary Pat Donnellon has been with Mission Research, the maker of GiftWorks, since its early days, working in every area of the company before becoming CEO in 2009. She now gets to do all the things she loves: leveraging great technology to help nonprofit organizations become better and stronger. Mission Research is a sustainable company; Mary Pat enjoys doing her part by walking or biking to work (most days!). She is also sustained by working with her talented colleagues at Mission Research and the company’s thousands of customers and partners.
Great article now is really the time for non profits to expanding their marketing and focus in one what brings them the most donations. I think if non profits can hang on for another year or so, things should start going back to normal
non profit marketing strategies
said on Dec 19 at 11:45PM