Finding Opportunities in Uncertainty - with Becky Lewis
Show Notes:
In this episode of 7-Figure Fundraising, Trevor Bragdon continues the series on Fundraising During Uncertainty by interviewing Becky Lewis, the Executive Director of Trinity Christian Academy Foundation in Texas. Becky has 25 years of experience in fundraising and shares during this episode about fundraising during previous times of uncertainty like 9/11 and the Financial Crisis. She specifically offers advice for nonprofits who are in the middle of capital campaigns.
Fundraising During Past Crises:
The conversation starts with Becky sharing what it was like to work on fundraising during past difficult times. She says it's important to remember that even in tough times, the money is just as needed. During 9/11, Becky was fundraising for a school, and that money went to cover teachers' salaries. "There always seems to be funding somewhere. So you just have to find it." Becky describes what it was like to get donors involved immediately after 9/11. Her strategy was different in a situation like this. Usually, she would have tried to get donors committed to giving for a longer period. However, after 9/11, she focused on getting monthly commitments. She also looked at her list of donors and tried to see who could specifically help to close any funding gaps. Becky's school did not see a significant dip even under these circumstances. If anything, people were more banded-together for a specific cause.
Next, Trevor asks Becky what it was like managing fundraising during the 2008-2009 Financial Crisis and how it was different from 9/11. At this time, Becky was the President of the Presbyterian Community and Services Foundation. She was doing fundraising for a hospice center in Dallas at the time. She was able to get half of the funding from one donor - but the other half took a while to get. This particular project ended up taking a lot longer than expected.
Advice for Those Working on Capital Campaigns
Becky shares some advice for those today who are working on a capital campaign. She says that sometimes tough times can work to your advantage. In her example, she anticipates that the middle school she is trying to build will now be built for a lot less. Right now, her team's main focus is calling the major donors to touch base with them, not necessarily asking for money. Her advice to anyone in fundraising is to stay connected. Every person that Becky talks to is experiencing something different. Some of her donors are not as affected while others are impacted greatly. Becky is looking out for donors who might temporarily struggle financially, but who have also made pledges so their nonprofit can offer to be flexible.
Becky's organization is celebrating its 50th year, and they had a lot of celebrations scheduled. They have had to cancel/reschedule all of these. This will also affect graduation for Becky's school in May. One thing that their Headmaster is doing is addressing matters in different segments. Since so many timelines are unknown, they check back every few weeks with current information and decisions.
Rethinking Annual Fundraisers
For organizations that have had to miss out on an annual fundraiser, Becky recommends finding a way to do it online. Becky encourages nonprofit leaders to think outside the box. One idea she has seen raise a lot of money is online auctions. Right now, she is asking all of her staff to send her any innovative ideas they come across.
Key Takeaways
2:05 - Becky shares what it was like to do fundraising in other times of uncertainty like the Financial Crisis and 9/11.
3:08 - People want to know they are making a difference. Becky tries to show donors who they are actually impacting.
3:40 - Becky talks about re-engaging donors after 9/11 and when it was appropriate to start doing that. She says she started with individuals, looking at her list and seeing who she could call. She found it helpful to be specific in how much she needed per month and needing commitment.
9:15 - Becky gives advice to those in a capital campaign right now. If you have a plan and have cash – this could work to your advantage to get things done at a better price.
15:04 - Conversations Becky is having with donors at this time.
19:32 - Trevor talks about how it’s important to be flexible with your donors. They are your partner that is flexible with you when you need funds.
22:32 – Advice for nonprofits if they are missing out on their annual event.
26:00 – Becky’s advice on getting your team involved in innovating during this time.
27:12 - The number one thing Becky would encourage fundraisers to do right now is to stay connected.