Fundraisers - Move from Conflict to Hope!
15 October 2001 at 1:10 pm
Many Not for Profits are now considering their Christmas fundraising campaign. But most would agree that this coming Yule time cannot be considered ‘normal’ in light of recent world and local events. However, one expert believes Not for Profits have a role to play in connecting communities with campaigns that move from conflict to hope.
Leo Orland, fundraising trainer and consultant with Robe John and Associates says many Australians are feeling a sense of insecurity about themselves, the economy and escalating world conflict.
Orland says this insecurity is reflected in business which is experiencing a slow down because, in times of crisis, people generally stop spending and start saving.
According to Orland’s hypothesis, this creates a great opportunity for fundraisers because people have more cash than normal and there is a heightened sense towards the needs of others and people need to be part of a community.
The translation for fundraisers is that this is not a time for campaigns to present doom and gloom but to present a sense of hope and concern for others.
Orland says this means that many organisations, particularly those in the welfare and overseas aid sector, may need to change their campaign language.
He says appeal organisers don’t need to change their activities in the light of world and local events, but they need to change the message to suit the environment and keep going with the work they do.
In particular he says it’s not a time for celebration or pretending that nothing is going on but rather fundraisers should see it as an opportunity to connect with people. New Yorkers are one example of people who have been brought together and connected as a caring community in the midst of evil.
He says many NFP’s are worried they will not meet their targets because of the economic downturn but in reality no one knows what will happen until they try.
He suggests many people are looking for solutions at this time and so NFP’s can show the solutions and inspire hope and show how donors can make a difference.
Leo Orland says there is also an opportunity for the Not for Profit sector to show leadership at this time and spread the notion of a caring community.
