This post may contain affiliate links, and I will be compensated (at no extra cost to you) when you make a purchase by clicking on my links.
A reader recently asked my opinion on whether it’s okay to do fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic. My answer is a resounding yes! While we need to modify our approaches, this isn’t a time to let fundraising fall by the wayside.
If you have experience fundraising for senior living communities, I would love to know what you think. Please share your ideas in the comment section.
Remember why you’re fundraising
It’s easy to become skittish about asking for donations when the economy has taken such a big hit. But, remember that we’re not asking for money for ourselves. We’re asking on behalf of our residents.
The pandemic has been stressful for our residents, their families, and our staff. We need resources to provide the excellent care and meaningful activities the residents deserve.
Maintain contact with past donors
Even if you’re not asking for donations at a time like this, it’s crucial to keep in touch with your donors. You want to keep your organization fresh in their minds, so they’ll think of you when the economy improves and they’re ready to donate.
Today we see so many scathing reports in the media about nursing homes. We need to offset those stories by letting donors know the good things we’re doing to provide top-quality care for our residents. They’ll also want to know our residents’ specific needs and how they can help create the best possible quality of life.
Know your donors
The pandemic has been brutal to the livelihoods of so many people. Many of your past donors would like to give, but they simply cannot afford to do so right now.
Yet, when you stop and think about it, there are still some businesses and professions that are thriving in the face of COVID-19. A national crisis brings out the generosity in people, and these folks are looking for worthwhile projects they can support.
Now is a time when your past efforts working with these donors will pay off. The positive relationships you’ve developed with your donors result in loyalty to your organization. As a result, they’ll continue to want to help your residents in whatever way they can.
Hang onto your volunteers
Many senior care communities had to stop using volunteers in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Most of these volunteers miss the residents, and they’re eager to continue serving in some capacity.
When weeks or months go by without contact, we risk losing our precious volunteers. Keeping them active now will increase the possibility that they’ll return as volunteers after we lighten social distancing rules.
There are lots of fundraising tasks volunteers can do from home. These might include writing notes to donors, searching online for future fundraising ideas, recruiting items for an online auction, or sewing and selling cloth face masks.
Brainstorm new fundraising options
Over the past three years, I’ve shared over 100 fundraising ideas for nursing homes. With a bit of ingenuity, you can adapt many of these suggestions to comply with social distancing guidelines.
I would love to hear how you’re fundraising during the pandemic. Please share your ideas in the comment section!
Leave a Reply