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Nonprofit Management

Newsletter 

As we close the books on 2013, I see that many nonprofits have triumphed over the financial worries they faced earlier in the year.  The Fiscal Cliff scare and 16-day government shutdown did not disrupt our financial markets, and slow, but steady, economic growth generated positive nonprofit sector outcomes.  These outcomes included increased donor confidence, a surge in the number of campaigns launched, and signs of foundations expanding their support.

I believe that nonprofits have turned the corner and are on the long-term path to increased growth, financial security, and mission success.

We see this firsthand at OAI.  With our help, our clients (listed below) raised more than $15 million in 2013.  Our clients are increasingly investing time and resources in projects and strategies that will create financial opportunities in the long term, instead of just helping with "survival" in the short term.

On the other hand, we know that 2013 was not all good news.  Program demand often exceeded program capacities, finances remained very tight, and nonprofits continued to have challenges hiring and retaining senior fundraisers.  This high turnover at the senior fundraising level continues to prevent nonprofits from developing deep relationships and creating the plans required to grow revenues and to begin to replace the baby boomer donors who are now entering their peak giving years.

Looking ahead, we expect more of the same in 2014.  The Wall Street Journal Economic Forecasting Survey suggests slow, but steady, economic growth and a continued reduction in the unemployment rate.  Nonprofits will continue to face challenges and pressures to manage more efficiently, to provide more and better services, to maintain existing donors, and to secure new donors.

As the Executive Director of Youth, I.N.C. and as a partner to our nonprofit clients, I face these challenges on a daily basis.  However, I have shifted gears to focus on strategies that have long-term opportunities for growth, including:

• Offsetting the impact of senior fundraising staff turnover;
• Investing in new programs and campaigns;
• Identifying and cultivating new, major donors;
• Updating case and mission statements that will differentiate the organization; and
• Focusing on online giving and leveraging the success of the #GivingTuesday campaign in reaching new donors.

Americans continue to be very charitable and I expect this to remain true in 2014.  This is why there are no reasons why your nonprofit should cut back its fundraising efforts in 2014.  Instead, continue to remain close to your existing donors and continue to cultivate potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

We hope to hear from you so that we can discover how OAI can help you achieve your 2014 goals.

Best wishes for a great end of 2013 and a Happy New Year.

Steve