How to fundraise for nonprofits During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As nonprofits face the global impact of the coronavirus pandemic and practice social distancing around the world in a collective effort to flatten the curve, you may be wondering how to retain donor support and not let your fundraising targets fall to the wayside. 

We’ve rounded up resources and strategies to help you get creative with virtual fundraising and stay engaged with your supporters to maintain your revenue streams. 

1. join in on Givingtuesdaynow

GivingTuesday, the groundbreaking worldwide generosity movement, announced #GivingTuesdayNow as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. It’s set to take place on May 5th, 2020. The global day of giving aims to spike generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support communities and nonprofits around the world. They are sharing this GTNow Social Media Toolkit for Nonprofits detailing how to participate and rally your supporters.

We’re launching #GivingTuesdayNow – a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. https://t.co/dsYpyUz9Tx pic.twitter.com/IQDE5VuwIg

— GivingTuesdayNOW – May 5, 2020 (@GivingTuesday) March 31, 2020

2. go virtual with your fundraising

How your team can pivot fundraising efforts while in-person events aren’t able to happen? Instead of forfeiting planned events and announcing blanket cancellations, you have options. You can transform your events into giving day celebrations and virtual events. We’re sharing tools, tips, and templates in our Nonprofit Fundraising Event Coronavirus Survival Guide.

• Going Viral: Taking Your Conference Online for COVID-10
• Virtual Events in 2020: The Ultimate Guide
• From Sustainability to Survivability: How Nonprofits Can Manage Uncertainty Amid Crisis 
• Fundraising From Home
• 10 Tips for Putting on an Engaging Online Auction from Home

3. connect with & engage your supporters

Don’t be afraid to get personal with your donor stewardship with thank you calls or videos, or even hand-written notes. Here are 6 Keys to Rock Thank You Calls and Retain Donors.

• Breakthrough Fundraising Group shares How to (Quickly) Mobilize Volunteers to Maximize Nonprofit Fundraising During COVID-19.
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy provides 4 Ways to Engage Major Donors.
• sgENGAGE lists 10 Things Fundraisers Can Do From Home.
• How to Maintain Donor Engagement During a Crisis: Key Considerations and Guidance
• Useful Nonprofit Emergency Guide: Self-Love and Donor Love Strategies

4. Keep calm, stay informed, & stay on course

In light of the current and rapidly evolving circumstances, CCS offers general principles and specific guidelines around fundraising efforts. You might even find that there can be unexpected opportunities amidst the chaos. And if your nonprofit isn’t responding directly to the pandemic, here’s how to still fundraise.

• Nonprofit Finance Fund: What Nonprofits Should Do Right Now.
• Maintaining Momentum in Uncertain Times.
• Market Drops and Crisis: Fundraising Lessons and Your Lighthouse.
• 8 Steps for Successful Fundraising During the Coronavirus Crisis
• TechSoup discusses Fundraising in the Time of COVID.
• Coronavirus and Fundraising: What to Expect and How to Prepare.
• Coronavirus Pandemic and Fundraising.
• Work From Home Self Care: 11 Tips for Fundraisers.

In this time of uncertainty, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things. #GivingTuesdayNow pic.twitter.com/cViqFcqRTV

— GivingTuesdayNOW – May 5, 2020 (@GivingTuesday) April 10, 2020

• ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Financial Relief For Nonprofits: Loans & Grants – We’re breaking down what the massive federal emergency funding means for nonprofits and sharing resources for grant opportunities.
  • What Nonprofits Should Do Right Now – the Nonprofit Finance Fund shares insights, templates, and tools as well as SBA resources.
  • TechSoup always has special prices for nonprofits on loads of software, including Microsoft and Zoom
  • Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak: Resources to Help Nonprofits – The Chronicle of Philanthropy