MK Charities Should Remain Optimistic During Downturn |
 Michael Glossop – Charitable People Limited – June 2008.In Milton Keynes talk of a recession may be premature. But with food, petrol and other prices rising and the value of most people’s major asset (their home) falling, it appears that many of us are already starting to tighten our belts. This seems to apply to the commercial sector too. But if this is so, does it inevitably mean that local charities and the voluntary sector must expect to see their incomes fall? Logic would seem to suggest so. However according to Marc Pitman author of “Ask Without Fear” there is a big danger that as charities rush to batten down the hatches in an attempt to make themselves recession proof, charity fundraisers can fall into three traps that will add to rather than alleviate the funding problems. The first problem to avoid is not to be pessimistic. Charity fundraisers are overall an optimistic bunch. Even during times when economic uncertainty and doubt are prevalent, this optimism needs to be maintained. Charities create good news and help to alleviate bad news. Rather than being pessimistic, fundraisers need more than ever to bring this good news to the attention of others. Next fundraisers need to continue to invest in fundraising efforts. Cutting fundraising efforts to save money may seem a logical move, but it can quickly become self-defeating. Less investment can lead to less being raised; leading to further cuts and even less raised. Like any organisation operating when the economy is weak, charity fundraisers should be looking to be leaner and more efficient. But to do less direct marketing and / or to shy away from fundraising events in an attempt to cut costs is likely to be a mistake in the longer term. The final trap to be avoided is one where charities become timid and shy away from asking for support. When we keep hearing about how bad things are, it’s easy to feel awkward when asking for support and donations. It is important to understand and show compassion for the situation of the people who are asked to support a charity fundraising initiative. But there’s nothing compassionate about not asking. Charities in Milton Keynes provide support and services to the most vulnerable in our community. For these people life is difficult every day as they cope with disadvantage, disability, exclusion, illness or poverty. To think about drawing in on efforts to fundraise and help them is a false economy for both the charities concerned and Milton Keynes as a whole. Michael Glossop is founder and director of Charitable People Limited – a not-for-profit social enterprise providing fundraising support for community based charities in Milton Keynes & Buckinghamshire. Email: Michael@charitablepeople.co.uk Web: www.charitablepeople.co.uk |