5 Reasons NOW is a Great Time to Ask for Major Gifts (or Start a Capital Campaign)

If there are leaders at your organization saying it’s not a good time to raise money, today’s post is for you (feel free to pass it along to them).

Past is Prologue

During the pandemic, many people though it was a bad time to raise money. With so much uncertainty in the world. Today feels very uncertain too. But that doesn’t mean you should shutter your fundraising shop, curl up in a ball, and hope for the best.

The organizations that kept going with their fundraising during Covid (and specifically their capital campaigns) are stronger than pre-pandemic, and long finished with their campaigns.

Sadly, I still speak with organizational leaders who paused campaigns because of the pandemic, and they are still struggling to get them going.

What we have learned time and time again is that it’s more important than ever to be out speaking with donors and raising money during uncertain times.

5 Reasons Right Now is a Great Time to Ask for Major Gifts

Here are five reasons you should be asking for major gifts right now… regardless of the economy, and in response to the current administration.

1. Your case for support may be stronger than ever.
   The urgency and relevance of your mission are likely heightened in today’s shifting political and economic landscape.
2. You may have lost (or be at risk of losing) federal funds.
   Major gifts can help fill the gap and ensure program continuity despite changes in public funding priorities.
3. Donors are generous in uncertain times.
   When faced with instability, many individuals seek to make an impact where they believe it truly counts.
4. The rich are getting richer.
   High-net-worth individuals often have the capacity to give more, especially when they see their values under threat.
5. Donors want to help and are looking for meaning and connection.
   Engaging them now offers an opportunity to align their personal values with your mission during a time of national change.

Because of the reasons above, there’s no better time to be out speaking with your donors and asking for generous gifts than right now.

Avoid Making Assumptions About Your Donors

Don’t make assumptions on behalf of donors. You may believe they are hurting financially. You may believe they are feeling donor fatigue. But you won’t know unless you ask.

If you’re thinking about, or planning a capital campaign, let’s talk — I’d love to help. Start by visiting the Capital Campaign Pro website and signing up to speak with me or a member of our team.

You don’t want to be looking back five years from now with regret. Reach out to donors. Have the conversation. Ask for the gift. Trust me — you’ll be glad you did.