Everywhere we turn the talk is about going green and being frugal. Today’s New York Times Home section featured a story about people who have given up their refrigerators! Nonprofits have known the secrets of frugality for a long time; it doesn’t take a recession to make us thrifty.
My interest is in keeping costs down while raising the bar on results. That’s a challenge for 2009, one I hope you will take. Your organization may be more important than ever to your community so, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and figure out how to bring your mission to life, raise more money and do it all on a smaller budget. Phew!
The first step is to take a fresh look at the resources you have. Look hard. Do you have more volunteers coming from the unemployed workforce? Talented and plentiful volunteers can make up for a shortfall in the budget. Instead of thinking what more dollars could provide, think of what more people could produce. Seek out volunteers with specific skills and experience. Seek those with fresh ideas and energy. Then give them every opportunity to contribute their creativity and skills.
Back in early January I posted in my blog an idea that came to me while I was out running. I had noticed all the discarded Christmas trees, stripped of their shiny balls and twinkling lights, sitting on the curb awaiting pick-up. I wondered how they could have a second life and I thought of the Winter Wonderland they could create.
Here were all of these trees, plentiful and free. Looking ahead to next January, would an event with a beautiful wintery scene tie in with your work?
Keeping the focus where it belongs - on your mission - and working to raise more than money (in this case, awareness) at your fundraising events, those trees would work perfectly for an organization focused on recycling or conservation. Or, if your group or congregation serves the needy, continue Christmas by asking members to put unwanted gifts under and on the trees (nobody seems to collect after the holidays when there is excess). Something as visible as this would help you recruit volunteers and attract donors also.
Some more quick ideas:
Has the downturn left your downtown empty? Arrange for the temporary use of a storefront. The town would be happy to have a space occupied and you get a chance to show your stuff - whatever that may be. You could use it as a temporary, public extension of your office, a performance space, as an exhibit or for an event.
What do you have in excess? Did someone make a donation that you never could figure out what to do with? Dream up a creative way to use or sell what you already have. If your costume room is overflowing, have a show and sale. I have a pile of small gift boxes in my office that are just waiting for a creative direct mail campaign.
The thought of all those churches and synagogues sitting empty all week long inspired the founding of Family Promise back in an earlier recession. This organization provides temporary shelter to homeless families in those buildings and the congregation provides the volunteers to make it happen. Smart and practical.
You know the old saying: Necessity is the mother of invention. Call a group together and start brainstorming for some creative ideas to make your organization a winner in bad times.
Merle Benny is a published author and has recently released The Winner’s Circle, a practical, easy-to-use program for nonprofit success and growth. It can be found at http://www.Nonprofit-Champion.com/winnerscircle.html
With over 25 years marketing and management experience, as well as being a lifelong volunteer, Merle now works exclusively with nonprofits to help them grow and succeed. Her creative solutions for nonprofit organizations have included events, websites, videos, branding, annual reports, brochures and development. She provides free ideas, tips and tools for nonprofit leaders at: http://www.Nonprofit-Champion.com
