It’s hard to believe that it’s been two months already. Two months since COVID-19 reared its ugly head and “Stay at Home” guided our lives, organizations, schools and businesses.
We send our condolences for the lives lost, and pray for those battling the virus and all those struggling with life’s challenges.
Our community institutions have definitely been impacted. Schools have quickly and exceptionally moved to distance learning. Organizations have been called on to dramatically expand their services to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. Yet other organizations have implemented creative ways to deliver their mission to reach their constituents. All done at a distance and with fewer resources.
Thank you so much for doing your part by carrying on, in spite of the challenges and revenue uncertainties.
Even in this darkness, there has been an abundance of good. Generosity has become a driving force, a saving-grace for many of us. Individuals wanting to make a positive difference is commonplace. Volunteerism, donating food to pantries, sewing masks, shopping for the elderly and charitable giving is up. Charitable giving even in these uncertain economic times is going strong. Donors appreciate the outreach, the gratitude, and concern for their well-being they are receiving. And they are giving what they can and, in some instances, giving more. What a blessing.
Some early findings from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance tells us that more than 52% of donors expect to give the same this year as last and more than 30% expect to give more. That means it’s up to us, the philanthropic sector, the nonprofits to make sure our mission remains in the hearts and minds of those who make the mission possible . . . the donors.
Just like you, J. Milito & Associates has spent the last two months adjusting to a new way of life, of doing business. We have been blessed with opportunity. Opportunity to spend more time, talking with customers, and nonprofit leaders across this great country. Through our weekly virtual “Conversations”, “Philanthropy in Times of Coronavirus” Facebook group, e-newsletters, and good old-fashioned conversations, we learned much and shared more to make sure organizations felt supported and appreciated.
And on April 20th, we got back to doing what we do best – picking up the telephone and raising funds for life-changing missions and ministries. While setting up a remote call center was not without challenges, we took great care to assure that our telephone fundraisers are working in safe environments and customers campaigns are treated with the same high-quality standards and care as the last 22 years.
We are having great conversations with donors. They are grateful for the outreach and concern. Their generosity has not waned. Donors are eager and willing to share what they can to support the causes they love, and help the individuals and families needing access to important programs and services! The generosity has warmed our hearts.
J. Milito & Associates is truly blessed by the trust so many have placed in us. For more than twenty-two years we’ve walked together with many in support of amazing missions and ministries.
And know, we remain committed to our nonprofit colleagues and friends. We are here for you, because we believe that the work you do is so so important.
Hopefully the worst is behind us. The future is in front of us. What you do today will have an impact on your philanthropic efforts long after this pandemic is behind us.
Today, it’s time to adapt your development plan to address the many unknowns that stand in front of you.
Questions such as: How might our organization be impacted through the summer, into the fall and at calendar year end? What resources will be needed and how will goals be met? What about special events and other in-person fundraising? What are the best strategies and times to fundraise over the next six months? Addressing these now, with contingencies, will help you stay focused on what’s important – those served by your mission and ministry.
J. Milito & Associates can help you look at your plan, answer these questions, and assure that your philanthropy efforts and your fundraising activities are successful.
So,
Keep talking about the mission and telling stories.
Keep fundraising to keep the mission alive.
Keep counting your blessings and saying “thank you”.
And please stay well.
While our team continues to work remotely, our hope is to be back home in our offices after June 1st. There is much to do to get ready to make this transition, again. Better, smarter, more grateful.
Again, we’re thrilled that our current campaigns are showing positive results from donors including increased gift amounts, bequests, and an out-pouring of gratitude and support from constituents to their favorite charitable organizations. Telephone outreach can help you get through this.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions, need resources, or just talk. Please call or email us.
Together, we will get through this.
