My community, like many others, is littered with remnants of past projects left to fall apart—a recurring issue across various sectors. I’ve witnessed large-scale government-funded youth projects receive millions, only to disappear soon after funding dried up. Similarly, numerous churches and community centers expand ambitiously, only to struggle financially with higher ongoing expenses.

While securing large donations and grants can be immensely beneficial, they can also potentially sink your non-profit or faith community.

Over a decade ago, I received invaluable advice on creating sustainability. At the time, our organization had just acquired significant funding earmarked for expanding our building. With differing opinions among members on its use, seeking external guidance was crucial.

The consultant pointed out that more space meant new programs, opportunities, and long-term bills. He challenged us to invest a portion of the funds in income-generating initiatives, cost reduction strategies, and enhancements that would boost sustainability—not just in completing our building. We followed his advice, making our space more accessible to the public, increasing rentable areas, and adding features to attract new participants.

Think of it this way: getting a puppy isn’t just one decision; it’s a commitment to countless decisions, financial adjustments, and hard work. Yet, the joy and companionship it brings make it worthwhile for years to come.

To build a truly successful non-profit over the long term, integrating sustainability into your fundraising and growth strategies is essential. Otherwise, you risk falling into recurring pitfalls. It’s crucial to ask the tough questions: Will new funds this year lead to unforeseen costs next year? What happens when a grant for new staff or programs expires?

This concept might be new to many, but it’s prudent to factor in costs and expenses into your fundraising budgets that mitigate ongoing financial burdens associated with growth. This approach becomes even more critical with larger donations, grants, or expansions.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable fundraising practices, please visit thefundingcoach.ca.

How people use money is changing. In one recent study, it was found that only 31% of Canadians use cash for day-to-day transactions. Another finding shows that in the last 6 years, the amount of cash used for day-to-day use has dropped by 59%. This trend is going to continue. Cash likely will never disappear, but its use is on the decline.

You may or may not be like me, but I rarely use cash, or even my debit cards, as I primarily use my phone for all in-person and online purchases. When I go to the grocery store, events, or the mall, there are always someone fundraising or selling tickets. For a person like me, I never donate or purchase what is being sold, as I no longer carry cash.

This can be relevant to those raising funds through fundraisers, as if you are only accepting cash, you are stopping a large majority of people from donating or buying. However, this is not just about cash. It is about understanding how people give. People generally give in the easiest way possible. It is up to us to create giving systems that are easy and open to everyone.

One concern I have heard over the years from many charities is that adopting an online giving platform will cost them a small percentage of each donation. That can range from 2-5% of donations. However, that is flawed thinking. In reality, if you focus on online or electronic giving to those not currently giving, then you are getting 95% of funds from donors you were never going to have.

In a day when a large majority of people prefer not to give by cash, or any complicated method, it may be time to look at two things about your giving system: 1 – Is giving accessible to everyone? 2 – Are our giving systems as simple as possible?

Addressing our giving systems needs to happen on a regular basis. The ways people give, the types of currencies / methods are changing drastically this decade. So as non profits we don’t want to be on the losing end because we limit donations.

If you are looking for more help on creating easy giving systems and are interested in learning how to increase giving to your organization or non-profit, please contact the funding coach.

This may be shocking to those leading or involved with nonprofits, but one recent research study found that only 52% of Americans trust nonprofit organizations. Fears of overspending, stories of highly paid CEOs, or mismanagement of funds have chipped away at people’s trust. This can be disheartening, as it means that whatever campaign, promotion, or media you put out, it will be immediately rejected by some people.

However, I believe this is also a huge opportunity. This is where we can use social media to build something powerful. It is TRUST.

We can think social media is only about promotion, how we ask for help, or as part of a fundraising campaign. That is a mistake.

‘What if you used your social media, in part, to consistently let people see that you do what you say you do?’

This lets supporters, and future supporters, see the results of their giving, their volunteering, and support. It lets them know their contributions are really doing something, and your team is worth investing in.

Trust is built by being consistent. It is not about the spectacular. It is letting people know they can count on your organization to fulfill the mission you are a part of.

Most organizations do some form of strategy when it comes to social media. It may be time to think about what ‘Building Trust’ looks like as part of your plan. Doing so will increase the effectiveness of future campaigns and the search for volunteers and supporters.

To learn more about building trust through social media, please contact us at the Funding Coach.

www.thefundingcoach.ca