Wow – just reading a recent poll of charities in the UK who say that their usual Christmas Seasonal Funding is down by a whopping 10%.  Got me to thinking that I hope in the UK our charity donations keep coming in and have a lift (like the retail sales…) wonder if they will?

Now is the time when we are looking at next years budgets and so thought I would just reiterate what I have been telling anyone who would listen:

Don’t talk your charity into a recession…..

1. Donors: Keep donors close, they support you because they are passionate about your cause.  Ensure donor recognition and stewardship programmes are ‘excellent’.  Donors need to be informed, in a timely, consistent and appropriate manner, of the impact their donation is having.  Recognition and stewardship should be part of your charity’s DNA. Now, more than ever before, donors need to feel great about their charitable ‘portfolio’.

 
2. Income: Diversify your income streams. Look at ‘earned’ income or other types of fundraising. Charities that invested in individual or bequest marketing during or after the last recession are in a lot healthier situation now than those who didn’t.  Also build on the areas currently delivering the most income.

 
3. Expenditure: Take a long hard look at overheads. Accept you may have to reduce short-term growth to gain increase long-term growth, but be sure the services you focus on meet your aims and objectives.  Think collaborative working – how can you fundraise with other charities who support similar beneficiaries or who work in the same geographical area.

 
4. Growth: Don’t stop taking risks, no hiding under the bed, but make sure you have researched the potential (where is growth coming from in other more successful charities?).