Navigating New Terrain

New York City is gradually recovering from a deep but surprisingly short recession that ended in November, said the Federal Reserve Bank last week.

Hmmm…

So what does this mean for nonprofits?

We’ve said before that we’re seeing money start to move – and that fundraising is psychological. That feeling that you have the capacity to give…that you can take care of more than your family’s basic needs…is based on a gestalt, a shared communal mood, more than on a simple number in a bank statement.

OK, so we’re seeing money start to move – but where is it going?

The answer, in one sentence:

To nonprofits which have strengthened their ties to their communities so that they’re ready to ask those overlapping circles of (potential) supporters to step up to the plate.

Well that sounds simple (nay, simplistic), but how does that apply to your organization?

To help nonprofits answer that very question, we’ve developed Cause Effective’s new Fundraising Tune-Up Consultation. Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Community Trust, we are able to offer low-cost fundraising consultations to a limited number of nonprofits facing out-of-the-ordinary fundraising challenges due to the economic downturn.

In a single, practical session at Cause Effective’s offices, Cause Effective will serve as your personal thought partner to assess your organization’s funding environment during a time of rapid economic change, review planned fundraising activities, and brainstorm new ways to get back in the action after two years of unpredictable results. Eligible organizations will receive this consultation, normally valued at $600, for the nominal fee of $50; and longer term support at discounted rates may also be available.

If this sounds like it might be helpful to you, take a look at this flyer and email Susan@CauseEffective.org to discuss your organization’s circumstances, or apply directly at http://www.causeeffective.org/consultingapp.htm.

Come on in – the water’s getting warmer…