Innovate and Thrive: Insider strategies for today's economic realities

CHARIDY GIVES Empowering Impactful Fundraising Charidy Newsletter January 2024 l | [ [ | " v ‘. "N “»’ ‘: ‘ ) SAT M b | Vo | R | s ‘ B ] LR SHAY’S STRATEGIC INSIGH " Siis Adapt to Thrive: Strategic Fundraising in Today’s Shifting Economy From the desk of Shay Chervinsky, CEO of Charidy Today, we find ourselves navigating economic challenges that are impacting our organizations and affecting every part of our lives. Living expenses continue to rise, while the stock market fluctuates and political instability is ongoing.  As we navigate these changes, the necessity of our work in the nonprofit community is more evident than ever. As individuals and families depend on us for support, our response needs to blend empathy with strategic thinking. In the past year, there has been a noticeable shift in the nonprofit fundraising landscape. Donors, both large and small, are exercising greater caution in their giving choices. In my extensive experience in this field, I've seen how this trend affects organizations, particularly smaller ones, leading to decreased donations and a reluctance to initiate new campaigns. However, it's crucial to view these challenges as opportunities for growth and adaptation. Now, more than ever, it's essential to broaden our perspectives. Reaching out to donors isn't just about increasing numbers: it's about reaching out smarter and wider. Our campaigns need to stand out, and they must be more strategic, engaging, and compelling. The power of storytelling, effective communication, and team-building can't be underestimated. And, of course, maintaining strong, long-term relationships with donors is crucial. Our team at Charidy is always here to assist. We gather fundraising data from all over the world, keep a close eye on economic trends, and apply our comprehensive crowdfunding experience across various communities to help our clients optimize their strategies. Whether it's finding the perfect timing for a client’s campaign, sharpening storytelling skills, or enhancing a client’s leadership and team dynamics, we're ready to help forward-thinking nonprofits tailor an economy-defying approach to crowdfunding so each organization can continue to fulfill its mission. One valuable strategy for organizations to consider in a volatile climate is expanding to new regions. Establishing 'Friends of [Nonprofit]' in different countries could significantly diversify an organization’s funding sources. This approach creates a safeguard against regional  economic slumps. Take the case of an Australian hospital that implemented this strategy, resulting in 200 new donors. This significant increase in their donor network not only enhanced their fundraising capabilities but also insulated them against local economic fluctuations, enabling them to continue their vital healthcare services without disruption. Planting seeds in numerous gardens builds stability, empowering organizations to ride out the turbulence impacting their typical “comfort zone” donors. Charidy is here to remind nonprofits that the current economy shouldn’t shape the destiny of your mission. Instead, today’s challenges are an invitation for organizations to take the lead through adaptation and innovation. Our clients’ work is far too crucial to be constrained by economic fluctuations. With the right strategy and a growth mindset, our clients are poised to continue making a significant impact. With Charidy, nonprofits of all sizes are doing more than just adapting to survive: they're evolving to thrive. Our global perspective on fundraising gives us insights into trends and successful strategies that we're eager to pass on to our fellow visionaries.  Let's continue to make a meaningful impact in the world, together. GLOBAL GIVING wiCHARIDY Rapid Response, Lasting Impact:  Charidy’s Global Giving Strategies With offices and campaigns spanning continents, Charidy's global presence truly epitomizes a company without borders. In response to the devastating October 7th massacre in Israel, Charidy swiftly mobilized to support the victims, bolster the fight against terrorism, and strengthen the Jewish community worldwide. Our initiatives not only demonstrated Charidy's commitment in times of crisis but also serves as a valuable model in crisis fundraising strategies that are beneficial for all communities Charidy serves. Standlng = Lisrael J Immediately following the October 7th massacre, Charidy launched the STAND 4 ISRAEL CAMPAIGN, a swift and decisive action that mobilized international support for the victims and Israel’s fight against terrorism. This campaign was an embodiment of our rapid response capabilities, demonstrating Charidy’s ability to galvanize support in critical times. Further empowering those committed to this cause, we expanded the campaign's reach beyond registered charities and nonprofits, opening doors for smaller, independent groups to participate. This inclusive approach allowed a diverse array of organizations to contribute to and benefit from the campaign. To date, the Stand 4 Israel campaign has successfully raised over $38 million, supporting more than 225 organizations, underscoring our commitment to wide-reaching, impactful action in times of crisis. But it's not just about funds raised: it's about how we raise them. Time is of the essence in emergency situations, so our team launched Stand 4 Israel with exceptional speed. We launched donation pages rapidly to ensure immediate access to incoming funds, and honed the message as the situation evolved, based on real-time client needs and feedback. Our clients have reported that since October 7th, their donors’ attention has predominantly been focused on Israel. Therefore, for CHABAD'S FOURTH ANNUAL GLOBAL GIVING DAY, we decided to integrate the global Jewish experience into the campaign's theme. On the Front Lines,  powerfully highlighted Chabad's mission of offering unwavering support to Jews in Israel and worldwide. It effectively linked the international crisis with Chabad’s dedicated efforts to care for Jewish communities globally. This approach led to an extraordinary success: the event raised over $50 million for more than 400 Chabad community centers, significantly surpassing their fundraising goal. At Charidy, we believe that fundraising in turbulent times requires a blend of rapid response, continuous adaptation, heartfelt connection, and strategic planning. These insights are woven into every campaign, ensuring that our partners are equipped to face challenges head-on. Charidy is more than a fundraising platform: we are a global force in philanthropy and community support. As a leader in uniting diverse groups for collective action, we demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of global challenges. Wherever our clients are in the world, whether they need support for everyday operations or assistance during a crisis, Charidy is here to help. Join us in our journey of global giving, where compassion, solidarity, and action transcend all boundaries. At Charidy, we know the world of nonprofit fundraising is both challenging and rewarding. We're here to make the journey a little easier and a lot more successful. In this column, you'll find practical tips, inspiring ideas, and real-world wisdom to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. 1. Crafting Compelling Narratives: Essential Elements for Effective Nonprofit Storytelling   Dive into the art of storytelling, where every word can make a difference. Learn how to craft narratives that truly connect with the hearts and minds of your audience.  Explore More 2. Is Crowdfunding Right for Your Organization?     Wondering if crowdfunding can be the game-changer for your organization? We're laying out all you need to know to make an informed decision and to stand out in the world of online fundraising. Dive Deeper 3. Visionaries Unite: Inspirational Quotes From Nonprofit Leaders To Shape A Successful 2024   Get your dose of inspiration from the minds of nonprofit leaders. Their words are a guide to drive your vision and strategy forward in the coming year.  Get Inspired 4. Beyond the Basics: 5 Unique Social Media Fundraising Ideas for Professional Nonprofit Fundraisers  Ready to spice up your social media fundraising? Here are five unique ideas that break the mold designed to engage your digital audience and amplify your fundraising efforts. Uncover Innovative Strategies As we journey together in the dynamic world of nonprofit fundraising, remember that Charidy is more than just a platform - WE'RE YOUR PARTNER IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Each of these pieces is a stepping stone to greater success in your fundraising endeavors. We encourage you to explore these insights, apply them, and watch as your efforts flourish and grow. n P © af i — From the desk of Chaya Abelsky Senior Campaign Mgr, People & Client Services “Writing a check is easy. In our operations room, I saw the highest level of charity.” (Rabbi Gedaliah Weinberger, chairman emeritus of the board of Trustees of Agudath Israel of America) Charidy is a global crowdfunding sensation and powerful force for good in the world, with $639,620,137 raised for incredible organizations in 2023 alone! Our approach can be summed up in two words: servant leadership. The term seems like an oxymoron - either you’re leading or you’re serving. And, usually, those who serve are serving a leader! Servant leadership brings together the most powerful spiritual forces humanity is capable of - humility, self-transcendence, working towards something greater than ourselves, and seeing the infinite power in each person in our team and in our networks. I’m excited to share with you some valuable insights from some of the hundreds of campaigns I’ve had the privilege of being involved in during my five years at Charidy. Each campaign offers the opportunity to develop the leadership of your organization, build your team’s effectiveness, and upskill your staff. It also offers the chance to understand your donors and stakeholders, to discover what inspires them, and to learn how to thank them and build lasting partnerships. Servant leadership is about valuing relationships, and discovering what drives your people so they are actualising their potential. When this happens in harmony - the sky’s the limit.  Building good relationships begins with listening - this is truly a skill, not necessarily a natural ability. It’s amazing what we can discover when we take the time to listen.  Agudath Israel of America (Agudah) is a powerful advocacy group that fights for Jewish values and helps communities flourish and grow. Their campaign raised over $10 million! They attribute part of that success to learning how to activate their powerful board to reach out to their own networks. Rabbi Naftali Miller, their Chief Development Officer, is an inspirational human who embodies servant leadership. He learned early on from his single mother to care for other people’s needs, and never to let a lack of money stand in the way. Rabbi Miller shared with me that writing a check is relatively easy, but volunteering in the operations center, calling up hundreds of people and sharing the cause with passion and energy, is the highest form of charity. This happens when people are driven by purpose, meaning, and a clear goal. His passion is bringing good people together to address the challenges facing the Jewish community. “Our charidy campaign revealed the incredible power of community,”  -Rabbi Naftali Miller, Agudah's Chief Development Office Indeed, discovering how many people are in your corner is one of the great gifts of a charidy campaign. When I was invited to attend the Agudah convention in December, I grabbed the opportunity to listen deeply to this organization’s concerns about the challenges facing the Jewish community (the war in Israel, the plight of the hostages, and antisemitism on college campuses among others) and Agudah’s goals for the future. The convention was an inspiring demonstration of individuals taking responsibility for the needs of their community. Their Charidy campaign harnessed that very energy, giving thousands more the same opportunity to step up when it counted.  The journey with Charidy is more than just fundraising. Each campaign is a story of people coming together, driven by a shared purpose and a commitment to serve. Whether it's listening intently to understand the needs of our communities, as seen in the Agudah convention, or channeling the leadership and dedication of individuals like Rabbi Naftali Miller, these efforts are testament to the power of collective action. Our approach of servant leadership builds bridges, strengthens communities, and fosters a culture of empathy and support. The success stories of Agudath Israel of America and others are shining examples of what we can achieve when we lead with love and unite towards a common goal. As we move forward, let's carry these lessons and experiences with us, continuing to empower, uplift, and connect. Together, we raise hope, strengthen bonds, and create a brighter future for all. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with Charidy, where every contribution, big or small, every listening ear, and every act of service, contributes to a greater good that transcends beyond our individual efforts. CHARIDY 360 Deepening Donor Relationships for a Transformative Year in Fundraising As we embark on this new year, it’s a pivotal time for nonprofits to focus on one of the most crucial elements of fundraising: nurturing genuine relationships. At Charidy, our expert staff constantly reminds our clients, "People give to people, not programs". This mantra serves as a guiding light in our approach, emphasizing the human connection at the core of philanthropy. It reminds us that behind every donation is a story, a set of values, and a personal reason for giving. By understanding and honoring these human elements, we pave the way for deeper, more meaningful partnerships that transcend mere financial transactions. “People give to people, not programs” Beyond Transactions: The Art of Transformative Donations To move beyond transactional interactions and foster transformational connections, we must focus on innovative and personal ways to deepen these bonds. This approach transcends standard practices and focuses on creating lasting relationships. 1. Personalized Video Messages Break the mold with heartfelt, personalized video messages. Videos create a sense of closeness and authenticity that can be more engaging than traditional forms of communication. Let your team or those impacted by donations express their gratitude in a way that’s both personal and powerful. 2. Curated Learning Experiences Demonstrate your investment in a donor's intellectual engagement by curating content tailored to their interests, aligning with your mission. This approach can deepen the donor's understanding and commitment to your cause. 2 DONiT g v \ '\"’ | v > . 3. Personalized Mission Journeys Invite donors on a custom journey showcasing the timeline and impact of their contributions, complete with stories and visuals. This strategy is a compelling way to demonstrate impact and keep donors connected to your cause over time. 4. Impactful Storytelling Share narratives and case studies tailored to the donor’s interests, illustrating the tangible impact of their contributions. This makes the content more relevant and engaging, showing donors the real-world impact of their support. 5. Skill-Sharing Opportunities Invite donors to share their expertise through workshops or presentations. This not only engages donors more deeply but also highlights their skills and enriches your organization’s knowledge base. CHARIDY IN ACTION Masterclasses in Effective Crisis Fundraising At Charidy, we understand that nonprofit fundraisers and stakeholders need support beyond their campaigns, particularly during times of adversity. In the aftermath of the October 7th massacre in Israel, we recognized a critical need for guidance to support fundraisers in the context of the complex issues involved in securing vital funding for Israeli organizations and Jewish communities globally. To address this situation, we launched the impactful webinar masterclass series, "Insights Into Israel". Three webinars featured panels of seasoned fundraisers from various organizations. The masterclass series was the ideal forum for these select veteran professionals to candidly explore the challenges they faced while fundraising in the wake of the attack. The sessions featured in-depth discussion of several innovative solutions, and collectively contributed to an invaluable pool of insights and inspiration. This thoughtful approach to troubleshooting aimed to empower our community of fundraisers by fostering open dialogue and knowledge-sharing among these experts. Masterclass 1: Bridging Urgency and Strategy In the face of a crisis, effective strategy is paramount. The first webinar delved into the urgency of immediate aid and the importance of balancing it with long-term support. Our panelists shared first-hand accounts of the scale of the crisis, highlighting the need for rapid response and emphasizing the critical role of fundraisers in delivering aid where it was needed most. This webinar underscored the impact of personal networks, the astonishing efficacy of well-coordinated peer-to-peer fundraising, and the power of community. Fundraisers have the potential to serve as anchors of solidarity in times of crisis, linking donors and communities in significant and impactful ways. i ) g il Masterclass 2: Building Deeper Donor Relationships In response to the evolving challenges in fundraising, the second webinar addressed the complexities of decision-making during a crisis. The panel discussed the delicate balance between supporting immediate needs and planning for long-term strategies. The session highlighted the importance of empathetic engagement with donors and adapting to the shifting priorities in the Jewish community. Fundraisers were encouraged to deepen their relationships with donors while demonstrating understanding and appreciation for their support. Panelists also emphasized the necessity of creative solutions, connecting local efforts to the broader global context. The emphasis on deepening donor relationships, adapting strategies to current realities, and focusing on meaningful engagement offered a blueprint for resilience and success. Masterclass 3: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Foresight The third webinar in our series offered critical insights into adapting fundraising strategies amid catastrophic circumstances. Experts discussed the importance of rapid response and the necessity to recalibrate strategies in line with evolving circumstances. They emphasized the role of fundraisers in shaping a cohesive vision to support their missions and meet the needs of their respective communities. This session highlighted the power of meaningful conversations in deepening connections with donors and understanding what motivates them to give. Additionally, this masterclass showcased how creativity and out-of-the-box thinking in fundraising can lead to unexpected partnerships and alliances, adding value to the community's collective effort. Learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic were also explored, underscoring the balance between addressing immediate needs and sustaining long-term goals. The webinar reinforced the idea that adaptability, coupled with a steadfast commitment to organizational missions, is key to effectively navigating uncertain times. CHARIDY: YOUR PARTNER IN IMPACT As our clients apply these invaluable insights to their individual fundraising efforts, they see their potential actualize,  with Charidy on board every step of the way. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change. We invite you to explore our services and connect with us at Charidy.com to learn how we can support your mission and amplify your impact. In the spirit of unity and resilience, let's continue to strengthen our communities and make a lasting impact, one fundraiser at a time. Charidy is not just about campaigns: it's about empowering you to create a brighter future for the causes you care about. Copyright © 2024 Charidy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for it on our website. Also, because you're awesome. Our mailing address is: Charidy 1002 Dean St. Brooklyn, NY 11213 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can or . Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp S mailchimp