The front page of today’s Wall Street Journal included a headline that read “Worst Crisis Since ‘30s, With No End in Sight.” It is the latter half of this sentence that is particularly frightening.
The current level of economic uncertainty and turmoil is unprecedented and leaves many not-for-profit organizations fearing for their futures and unsure as to what the appropriate near term actions may be.
Many of my colleagues—particularly those who work for Jewish organizations that traditionally solicit funds now, in advance of the Jewish High Holy Days—are wondering if it is still appropriate to ask for money during a time when their donors may be facing personal financial crises. My answer to them is yes. You must ask. You may change the way you ask and you should understand when even longtime supporters say no, but you must continue to ask.
In the coming months, the role not-for-profit organizations play will increase in importance. Demand for programs that address basic socioeconomic needs like food, health and education will rise exponentially. The ripple from the financial market meltdown will soon be widespread, unemployment across all sectors will increase and the need for assistance will grow. A shrinking tax base will reduce government funds available, and not-for-profit organizations will be called upon to fulfill critical needs in communities across the country and around the globe.
Organizations must keep up their development efforts in order to meet this demand. No one said the work was easy, but we all agree that it must get done.
