In the first comprehensive analysis of granting through the post-COVID Community Services Recovery Fund, data shows that most funding allowed non-profits to adapt or pivot their programs. The three intermediary funders were also able to support grantmaking to non-qualified donees, many of whom were applying to a fund of this sort for the first time.
Traditional fundraising, even when extremely successful, comes with limitations. Innovative partnerships could leverage private sector investment and expand impact.
Despite pushing for online donations or telephone appeals, several charities still found that direct mail as a channel was more likely to cut through the noise – and have no plans to shift away from mail fundraising even if there is another postal strike.
The end of the year is most charities’ major fundraising push, and the strike threatened to disrupt direct mail campaigns. Many charities chose to try new ways to connect with donors, while others stuck with the status quo.