In the US, there are approximately 1.3 million organizations in the philanthropic sector. The organizations feed, house, heal, rebuild, educate, inspire and nuture people in every demographic and socioeconomic status. Every day, these organizations "foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of our communities."
If you are reading this right now, you are likely one of those organizations.
THANK YOU for all you do.
We know that this is a difficult time for our partners in the philanthropic sector. Organizations must continue to serve the community throughout this pandemic. While social distancing has interfered with service delivery, you carry on anyway because access to food, clothing, shelter, safety, health, and wellbeing must continue.
Our hearts and prayers are with those who are personally affected by the coronavirus. At a time when we need our friends and loved ones close by, we press forward together, apart. Because that is who we are.
There’s work to do. But you don’t have to do it alone.
We are here for you. Here for you, because the work you do is so, so important.
For more than twenty-two years, J. Milito & Associates has partnered with hundreds of amazing organizations across our country in support of their mission and ministry. For that we are truly blessed.
Because you are important and because we care about you, here are a few tips to help you get through the next weeks/months. What you do today will have an impact on your philanthropic efforts long after this pandemic is behind us:
- Don’t stop fundraising. The work you do is important and your donors and supporters know it. Generosity is in abundance right now. People are looking for ways to stay connected to the organization. Keep your Spring Appeals on target. Change up the message to address the current situation. Give donors the opportunity. Let them make the choice. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
- Reach out to your donors. This is an excellent time to check-in with your donors of all giving levels. Write personal notes, or call them. Express your concern for their well-being. Pray with and for them if appropriate. Your kindness will be appreciated.
- Take care of you. There is so much to be anxious about right now at home and work and with our families. Make time to rest, enjoy the spring air, listen to music, create, eat well, exercise, and let your faith bring your comfort.
Remember, J. Milito & Associates is here for you, here to be of service to your organization. No strings attached.
Whether it’s through the Facebook group “Philanthropy in Times of Coronavirus”, or weekly interactive conversations for fundraisers, J. Milito & Associates is here for you. This is our opportunity to give back to the philanthropic sector, to help make us stronger and focused on our missions and ministries.
In accordance with Michigan’s “Stay at Home Order”, we have suspended our call center operations until at least April 14, 2020. However, our leadership team is working remotely to assure that we can be here for you need during this time.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions, concerns, need resources or someone to bounce ideas off, or maybe just talk.
We will get through this . . . together.
Stay well.
