The good news is that it is possible to connect with supporters in meaningful ways even when face-to-face interactions are not appropriate, writes Suzanne Hilser-Wiles, president of Grenzebach, Glier and Associates, a philanthropic management consultancy, in “4 Ways to Engage Major Donors During the Covid-19 Crisis.”
Enlist your top leaders to communicate with donors, she says. Supporters want to hear a CEO’s thoughts on the pandemic and how she plans to move the nonprofit forward despite mounting challenges. “But it’s important to consider which channel an executive uses to communicate,” Hilser-Wiles says. “For example, email provides a formal assurance that your institution is prepared and following precautions, while social-media platforms offer a more human touch to reassure people that you are taking immediate action and are responsive to their needs.”
You may want to reach out to key donors and prospective supporters separately to share deeper insights and invite their feedback. Consider organizing periodic “investor calls” for small groups of donors, Hilser-Wiles says, to update them on your response and share messages about your long-term goals.
Here is a collection of articles that offer more advice like this to help your nonprofit cope with the evolving crisis, keep donors close despite social distancing, and secure crucial resources to continue serving your community during these difficult times.
-
Tools and Resources
Fundraising Events in the Covid Era: Here’s What to Consider
As we look ahead to a time when in-person events can resume, here are some lessons to apply from the onset of the Covid-19 crisis. -
Ask an Expert
Ask an Expert: How to Host Engaging Virtual Fundraising Events
A nonprofit CEO, an events director, and a fundraising consultant specializing in events answer reader questions. -
Advice
Engaging Your Board During Covid-19: A Virtual Forum
Two experts talk about how to communicate the help you need, protect equity efforts when making tough choices, engage trustees in fundraising, and more. -
Ask an Expert: Navigating the Pandemic
What are you trying to figure out in the midst of the pandemic? We’re here to help you navigate this challenging new landscape with a new advice column. -
Advice
8 Things Nonprofit Leaders Could Do Now If Their Work Is On Hold
For those with downtime during the crisis: catch up with important advisers and peers, focus on ways to strengthen your organization, pursue professional development and more, says one former chief executive. -
Management and Leadership
How to Run a Virtual Office, From Leaders Who Have Done It for Years
The executive director of a global nonprofit and the CEO of a small business that serves charities talk about how they communicate, nurture a strong organizational culture, and more. -
Money Matters
Financing During a Pandemic: How to Adapt to a Crisis
How to know whether a loan, line of credit, emergency grant, or other financial options make the most sense. -
Tips and Tools
7 Low-Cost Ways to Stay Connected With Donors
A family-foundation head offers real-world examples of effective donor communications during a crisis. -
Help in the Pandemic
Webinars and Other Events to Help You Deal With Covid-19 (April 27-May 1)
Our weekly listing of information and education events from nonprofit groups across the country. -
Government and Regulation
How to Apply for Stimulus Benefits
Nonprofits are scrambling to make the most of the $2 trillion stimulus law, so the Chronicle gathered a panel of experts in a virtual forum to help you navigate the complex web of benefits available for your charity. -
Advice
4 Ways to Engage Major Donors During the Covid-19 Crisis
Tips for building and maintaining strong relationships with big donors when face-to-face interactions are not appropriate -
Advice
Covid-19, the Economy, and the Nonprofit World: A Virtual Forum
Three experts in fundraising, managing, and philanthropy share advice on how to talk to donors now, recoup lost revenue from canceled in-person events, and manage staff and board members during the crisis. -
Direct Marketing and Appeals
Charities Adjust Mailings to Address Pandemic Response
As nonprofits assess how the spread of Covid-19 is affecting their mission and their finances, many are facing a difficult decision: to mail or not to mail. -
Tool Kit
How to Make the Most of GivingTuesday or Any Giving Day
Some nonprofits spend months planning creative digital campaigns for the fundraising sprint. Others use the day to thank donors or inspire their supporters to give back in other ways. -
Advice
Ask an Expert: Communicating With Donors and Planning for the Future
A seasoned development director and a veteran consultant answer reader questions about fundraising during the pandemic. -
Resources
Fundraising During the Corona Outbreak: Answers to 5 Pressing Questions
Trying to decide if you should to cancel an event? Wondering what to say to donors, how to stay connected, or whether to ask for money? Here’s advice to guide you. -
Tools
During Social Distancing, Telephone Town Halls Provide Direct Line to Donors
Their popularity has been on a slow rise — an unexpected trend at a time when few households even have landline phones and federal regulations largely prohibit mass dialing to mobile phones. -
Advice
Experts Urge Charities to Talk to Their Donors Now
Fundraisers might struggle with what to say, but in times of crisis, it’s critical to maintain open lines of communication with supporters. The future of the relationship may depend on it. -
Advice
How to Adapt Your Nonprofit’s Sick-Leave Policy During Covid-19
Understand the new federal requirements about emergency paid leave, relax rules that may not be practical now, and other tips from experts. -
Advice
Emergency Paid Leave: Answers to Your Questions
A human-resources consultant explains what nonprofit leaders and employees need to know about the new federal law that guarantees paid sick and family leave for reasons related to Covid-19. -
Tools and Resources
Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Curated Guide to Help Nonprofits
A collection of advice and tools to help nonprofits deal with the uncertainties surrounding the virus, including managing and leading, communicating, fundraising in a crisis, taking events online, and remote work. -
Resources
Event Cancellations: What You Need to Know
A lawyer explains what the clauses covering cancellations mean and how they may be interpreted in the event of an emergency.