No Fear Nonprofit Fundraisers: If You Build It, They Will Come

It’s no secret—fundraising during an election year can feel like you’re caught in a desert of dry donor pipelines. Every conversation I’ve had with clients and nonprofits lately revolves around the same issue: fundraising has slowed to a crawl. Donors are giving at an accelerated pace, but not to nonprofits—to election campaigns. The shift in donor priorities can leave organizations feeling like they’re being left in the dust.

But let me reassure you—this is a temporary dry spell. The nonprofit sector has been through this before, and guess what? It always bounces back. Right after the election, nonprofits will once again become the apple of their donors’ eye. Timing is everything. So, what should you do in the meantime? Prep!

Lay the Groundwork

Now is the perfect time to plant seeds. While everyone’s distracted, you need to be sending your emails, making phone calls, holding events, and cultivating relationships. Get your ducks in a row so that when election season ends, your nonprofit is top of mind just in time for year-end appeals and the gift-giving season.

Schedule Events After the Election

If it’s possible, try to time your fundraising events for after the election. The excitement will have died down, and donors will be ready to focus on other causes. Consider setting a date for an appeal or jump on the Giving Tuesday bandwagon. That post-election period is prime time to remind donors of why they love you in the first place.

Double Your Efforts

Your year-end appeal needs volume—don’t just send one or two emails or a single mail piece. Double down. Give your current donors and prospects something to talk about. Share statistics, highlight recent wins, and show them how their past donations have made an impact. It’s important to demonstrate just how vital their continued support is, especially in uncertain times.

Get Back to Basics: Personal Touches Matter

As technology keeps advancing, I’ve noticed something: the power of simple human connection has never been more important. It’s easy to get lost in a sea of emails, but what about going old school? Order personalized note cards with your name and organization and start writing thank-you notes. For donors over $1,000, a handwritten note can be the perfect touch, and here’s the key—don’t ask for anything. Just thank them for their past giving. It’s a small, sincere act that will stand out in an inbox full of solicitations.

Activate Your Board: Create a Phone Tree

Take a page from political campaigns. Politicians are out there calling voters—so why aren’t we doing the same with donors? Organize a phone tree with your board members and senior staff. You can call your donors to say thank you before the election and reach out after for donations. It’s these personal touches, not mass emails, that leave a lasting impression.

Build Relationships Now, Reap the Rewards Later

At the end of the day, fundraising success is built on relationships. Your donors will remember that handwritten note, that thoughtful phone call, and the genuine connection you made. When the post-election season arrives and they’re ready to give, your nonprofit will be at the top of their minds.

The drought of donations during an election cycle may seem daunting, but by laying the groundwork now, you’ll be poised for a downpour once the election is over. So, get ready for the rain!