Donor Giving: Economic Turnaround or Tough Sledding?

The trends in annual giving have not been good.  But there are signs that the economy is beginning to turn around.  Interest rates and oil prices are spiking, durable goods orders have come out of the depths, and trade numbers are looking positive for the moment?

Does this foretell brighter days ahead in donor giving?  Perhaps, but be cautious. Now may be a time to try to seize on the opportunities that may present themselves, but to do so with a greater level of efficiency than you may have even thought possible in the past.

Instead of planning to hire new staff this Summer, it may be wise to hold off and try to multiply the work you can do yourself.  You may or may not be able to ask more from your existing staff, but the job insecurities that are felt in everyone's work space motivate some to do extraordinary things. 

Now is a good time to take advantage of what you can.  It's also not a time to try to make due without the very basic services and things you need to enable your success.  If an upgrade to your web presence, server or other technology is needed, do what you must to avoid imminent failure.  Don't put yourself in a spot that makes it more difficult to recover later.  You still have a budget - don't be afraid to spend any of it.

Economic recoveries tend to start when people take a few chances with things they buy or investments they make.  No one knows what's going to work.  All we know is that what we're doing now isn't working.  Take risks - just don't don't take costly ones. 

The odds are more against any given initiative failing at this moment than just a few years ago.  But the payoff could be much higher.  We won't be in an economic doldrum stage forever.  We're still incredibly resilient. 

Use the consultative services of a group like Brian Lacy & Associates now in order to help be creative while you continue to be efficient.  

Comments

[Debbie W]

Good points!