However, for this, maybe that isn’t a bad thing. Perhaps this abnormal time is an opportunity for board members to let go of some of their perceptions and fears of fundraising that inhibit them from cultivating and soliciting donations for their organizations. Perhaps if we face these fears and understand more about fundraising, we can overcome them and encourage board members to engage in fundraising.

As I write this, over $5 billion dollars has been donated in response to the pandemic.

If your organization relies on philanthropic support, help your board members face their fundraising fears and take some strategic steps to connect with funders and continue to bring resources to your organization.

Fear #1: Fundraising is uncomfortable and feels like begging.
Nothing is further from the truth. Raising money gives others the chance to impact a cause or group of people that is important to them. In addition to volunteering, there may be no more noble a gesture, particularly now. Americans are the most philanthropic people in the world because they are asked every day to help.

Fear #2: Many people are losing their jobs or facing economic insecurity and it feels wrong to ask for money for our organization now. What if the person doesn’t have money to give or the foundations are using the money for other nonprofits?
We should acknowledge that the current economy is hard for many, but not for all. Certainly, many families are suffering, but not every family is impacted in the same way. Don’t assume that everyone is in the same financial situation. There are many individuals who have funds to give and are waiting to be asked to support our world during this time.

Fear #3: We don’t want to bother our funders when they are going through so much right now too.
Philanthropy requires relationships — you need to feed your donor relationships. The work of your organization did not stop because of the coronavirus; you shouldn’t stop fostering your relationships with your donors.

Read the full article about fundraising and your board by Dave Sternberg at BoardSource.