Reframing Your Approach to Funding

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is a Member of Nonprofit Connect. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues. Learn more about the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
 
I have been impressed by our nonprofit community’s perseverance over the last 14 months throughout the COVID-19 crisis. As we move into the recovery phase of this pandemic response, I know so many nonprofit professionals are re-imagining how to approach funding in the future. Working in the nonprofit landscape for 20 years has given me a great insight into the moving trends of the philanthropic community, and how working nonprofits, individuals and families use charitable funds to organize and maximize their philanthropic dollars.
 
Discuss Unrestricted Funding
Having conversations about loosening restrictions on funding or accelerating planned gifts with donors may open avenues to additional support. At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, experts like the Center for Disaster Philanthropy emphasized the importance of general operating support and unrestricted funds to donors. As our community moves into the next phase of response and recovery, let’s make a pledge to revisit those commitments and determine if they can be made long-term or permanent. This is also a great step towards a more equitable fundraising landscape for all.
 
Make Sure Details About Your Organization are Accurate and Easily Accessible
Information about your organization is just a quick Google search away, and your website might not be a potential donor’s first click. With more resources available than ever before, it’s important to make sure your organization’s details are accurate and updated across the Web. Research tells us that donors want to first know that you’re legitimate, and they want to easily find your mission, programs, impact, financial health and board makeup. We know pandemic response and crisis management likely became your single priority last year. Now that many organizations are moving into recovery-focused services, keeping your online profile up to date on your own website, GuideStar, Nonprofit Connect, and any others is a sure-fire way to ensure donors, funders and foundations have access to the information they’re seeking easily.
 
One of the easiest ways that we mentioned above to keep your online presence up to date is to always ensure your profile on GuideStar is polished. Many web modules pull information from GuideStar, including our own Nonprofit Search

Connect with Donors of All Ages
As we’re on the cusp of the greatest wealth transfer in our country’s history, look for opportunities to cultivate relationships with next generation donors. Millennials and Gen Z’ers have been engaging with nonprofits as volunteers since their teenage years, and likely even before. They want to find meaningful ways to connect with one or two organizations that align with their values, not just their valuables. Ask younger generations what they care about, and consider offering opportunities to build long-term commitments that utilize their time and talents. And be prepared for tough questions. Younger donors value transparency and honest relationships, and they want to know what’s going on inside your organization. Once they’ve established trust and fully embraced your mission and programs, they’ll be ready to roll up their sleeves, tackle problems and move the needle toward greater impact.
 
Reimagine Fundraising
While many of us are excited to start attending in-person events and galas again, we know that fundraising has changed forever because of the pandemic. Now is the time to think critically about legacy or planned giving strategies, reserve fund investment strategies, online fundraising, resuming in-person events and other revenue sources. Preparing for the next inevitable crisis is essential. By utilizing a comprehensive giving strategy as we think about life after the pandemic, you can ensure that your organization has the necessary revenue to continue the important mission-work.

Where Can You Learn More?
The Community Foundation helps nonprofits put together long-term investment plans. As you’re thinking about the rest of 2021, consider a savings plan to house financial reserves and build long-term assets. Agency funds at the Community Foundation enjoy low-cost investment options and third-party oversight of assets. Connect with our staff of philanthropic advisors, and let us know how we can help you.

Thank you for all you do for our community.



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