How can fundraising professionals remain resilient during a natural disaster?

extend your diversification of fundraising aggressively. be pro active and remain in constant update with the programs team on what's happening in the ground. . - keep donors updated with monthly newsletters.

I start by understanding the disaster's impact on our community and my organization. It's a balance between empathy for those affected and a strategic approach to our fundraising goals. Adapting our strategies in response to the crisis, while remaining sensitive to the needs of our community, is key.

During the COVID crisis in the early part of 2020, I saw many nonprofits struggle to remain relevant during forced shutdowns and lack of connection. The key is to avoid complacency by tackling what remained relevant even during the pandemic. Focusing on what your organization could still accomplish even during the challenges you faced, and properly articulating them to stakeholders, helped many organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast stay top of mind. We had to address the increased need, what we were doing to address it, and the donor community's role in the solution. By being direct in our asks, we were able to increase funding in a very uncertain time. Our donors were our lifeblood and we treated them as such

Step back and review the situation. Think creatively. Consider partnerships and keep communicating so your team, donors and stakeholders are kept informed.

Fact-check, not freak-out. What did this disaster actually throw at your organization, your programs, your donors, and those you help? Think immediate needs (food, shelter?) and long-term ripples (program changes, funding shifts?). Remember, clarity paves the way for action. Prioritize like a pro. Who needs your cape most urgently? What resources (physical, financial, emotional) can you juggle to meet those needs? Think triage, not throwing good spaghetti at the wall. Speak up, loud and clear. Donors, beneficiaries, your team – everyone needs to know what's going on and how you're handling it. Transparency builds trust, even when things are rough.

I remember during covid 19 pandemic where gathering was not allowed, those who focus on fundraising events as model of operandi faces bottleneck of their careers. For sure fundraisers need to adopt new strategies every now and then to remain in the game

I was working with another nonprofit leader who was struggling with a significant loss of donor support during the COVID 19 pandemic and I asked them, "What was the new fundraising strategy and why do you think it was ineffective?" they were quick to defend, saying, "Well, we told them we needed their support." I asked, "Well what's new?" It takes a new targeted approach to say, "We know this uncertain time impacts us all, and this is what WE are doing to help ... - Here's how you can be a part of this important work!" Tell your new story, invite them to be a part of something new, and acknowledge their important role without making them feel like this is a transactional relationship.

This is when you have to be creative and think of ways that not only raise funds, but meet the needs of your audience. During COVID, our Rotary Club hosted a comedy night online. While it may not have raised what we would normally hope for in a fundraiser, it raised everyone's spirits which was much needed and appreciated.

Natural disasters can significantly impact fundraising activities. Fundraising professionals should adapt their strategies to align with the current situation, considering the unique challenges and needs that arise from the disaster.

Handling a natural disaster is emotionally taxing. I make it a priority to look after mine & our teams mental well-being, seeking support when needed. It’s important to recognize that taking care of self & team is vital to sustain our capacity to help others.

**Nonprofit Development burnout is a very real thing** We either chose to face the causes of burnout or we face the devastating effects of it. According to a study by Stanford Social Innovation Review, about 50% of nonprofit employees experience high levels of burnout! YIKES! There are three ways a proactive nonprofit can tackle this phenomenon... 1) Create a healthy workplace culture - Invest in the soft-skills that will help when situations aren't so "soft" 2) Provide professional development - when your people feel like they are more than just a cog in the machine, they will work much more effectively and be happier doing so 3) Recognize and address when you SEE burnout happening - Many leaders wait until its too late Good Luck!

Setting realistic expectations helps to lower the stress levels of your team. Maybe it is the time to bring back the "fun" in fundraising and make it less about the dollars raised and more about creating awareness.

One thing I found helpful is prioritizing self-care and supporting the well-being of the fundraising team during times of crisis. This can help maintain resilience and effectiveness in fundraising efforts. The team would feel motivated knowing that the organization cares for their safety.

I believe in the power of collaboration. By partnering with other organizations and leveraging social media, we extend our reach and effectiveness. It's about creating a united front against the crisis, pooling resources and expertise for maximum impact.

This may be a good time to partner with other non-profits - yes, you likely will raise less, but the workload will be less and it could create the start of new, positive working relationships that have long term impact.

It’s always a necessity rather than an option to network, collaborate and coordinate with all stakeholders of any humanitarian crisis. That’s why it’s a global trend to organise all humanitarian stakeholders under consortiums and networks. It’s almost impossible for any specific organisation to become equally expert in all aspects of disaster response and management. One might be effective in Health and WASH but there are several areas like EFSVL, child protection for which expert and experienced support in needed. Rather than trying out with options, its better to take support from others, because it’s the question of ‘right to survival’ of people in a disaster situation. Seeking/ embeeding external support is helpful for fundraising also

Link up with other agencies to form a consortium. Consortium approach is very important in terms of fundraising, sharing technical skills for join planning, implementation, and learning. It is also effective in terms of sharing of resources.

This would be the best time to collaborate with external partners, such as other organizations, community groups, or government agencies, to acquire additional resources and support for fundraising initiatives. At this point, it would be survival of the friendliest.

After any major event, we used to carry out an exercise when we considered what we would stop, start and continue. Every event/fundraiser is a learning experience. Make sure you garner the wisdom from the fundraiser.

Every crisis teaches me something new. I take the time to reflect and learn from each experience, ensuring that my organization and I are better prepared for future challenges. In times of crisis, thinking outside the box has been my mantra. Innovative and creative solutions often emerge from the most challenging situations, leading to effective and sometimes unexpected outcomes. This journey has taught me that resilience is multifaceted. It's about understanding, adapting, collaborating, caring, innovating, and learning. Approaching things in this manner has not only helped me steer my organization through crises but also enabled us to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the face of adversity.

After working with several communities who experienced natural disasters (working with them on their community resilience building) we found the following to be important: - connection - events that bring people together - collaboration - creative solutions (usually involved collaboration) - look at what other communities have done (lessons learned)

Embracing a learning mindset and continuously seeking opportunities to improve fundraising strategies based on the experiences and lessons learned from the natural disaster can enhance future preparedness and response efforts.

I often prioritize appreciation and acknowledgment, especially during crises like natural disasters. Recognizing every contribution and celebrating successes, big or small, strengthens team morale and community bonds. Maintaining open communication with our donors and board members is crucial. I ensure they are informed about how their contributions are making a difference, and the milestones we reach. This transparency builds trust and strengthens our relationships, encouraging ongoing support.This approach has been key in fostering a resilient, connected, and supportive network in challenging times, highlighting the importance of gratitude and collaboration in our organizational culture.

Focus on the victims and affected. Evoque sympathy and compassion towards the victims and affected people turning the focus to the urgent need. Once you get everyone focus too and compassionate then the strength that suddenly arises gives everyone the resilience one must have in times of emergency. The emotion of saving is powerful

⚠️Diversify your board with professionals across many different areas of expertise⚠️ 🔮 I don't know about you, but my crystal ball isn't the most accurate. When a disaster hits us, what makes it most devastating is our lack of ability to prepare. The thing we CAN do, however, is prepare TO prepare. By having a strong board who cover specialized areas, you being prepared to prepare. When something happens, it's these professionals who will help focus on what we can miss on our own. They also help us with speed of solution. Because of their specialized focus, they will help execute a well thought out plan that puts you ahead of the rest. Here's to hoping we never need to use them in this way! 🤞🏻

David - excellent thoughts, where I have a bit of background. Diversified professional backgrounds matter so much on boards to gain and share perspective.....as long as the board members feel comfortable doing so.

Amid the complexities of navigating fundraising during a natural disaster, my experience has taught me the profound impact of authentic connections. In times of crisis, the human element sure takes center stage. By weaving compelling narratives that reflect resilience and community strength, fundraising becomes a shared journey. Emphasizing the human stories behind each campaign fosters a sense of unity and purpose, thereby turning donors into genuine advocates. What am I saying in essence? It's not about just financial contributions; it's about forging lasting connections that transcend the challenges presented by nature's adversity.