Fundraising for Arts Organizations in a Down Economy

At a recent seminar I gave about marketing and social media, someone from the audience wanted to know how to raise money during this economy when your organization is in the arts. (hers focused specifically on African dance, culture and music). Interestingly, I had watched children from their troupe perform at an outdoor festival the prior summer. It had made a real impression on me, they were really amazing.

It's a tough question. We all know non-profits in general are hurting, so how do arts organizations compete with non-profits who help people with basic needs of life? First, can we please begin to eliminate the word compete and competition from our vocabulary, instead lets come from a sense of abundance!

I feel very strongly that now more than ever we all need to have our spirits lifted and dance certainly meets the bill! It seems like a given that all arts should be an important component of our lives and especially our children. Here are some thoughts and ideas I gave her to consider:

Find Ways To Connect With Your Donor

• Remember when you openly talk about challenges that we all face in a difficult economy, it creates a sense of community. Convey your understanding of and empathize with the challenges they may be facing. At the same time, be clear and honest about the challenges your nonprofit is facing.
• No matter what your organization does, be it dance or caring for the sick, be sure to share a specific story about one child or adult that your program has helped. Give enough details to make them care, but not so much that they lose interest. Use it everywhere, on your website, in your letters, in conversations.

Think Outside Of The Box, Be Creative

• According to John Munger, research director for the National Service Organization Dance/USA, "You no longer market a performance that you sit and look at. What you offer is a complete experience that begins before the performance even starts and may continue afterward." Meals and discussions beforehand, maybe dance lessons after”.
• Find ways to partner with other non-profits to create new and more interesting events. You’ll introduce new audiences to each other and hopefully grow your fan and mail list. Brainstorming ideas is more powerful when there are different points of view. The best part, as a team you share the expenses, the work and the money raised.
• Take advantage of social media, it should be all non-profits best friend. Create a Facebook page for your organization and invite fans but also create a cause page where people can donate directly.

Never Give Up

• Last but not least don’t be discouraged, positive thinking is a powerful tool, just fake it until you make it! My grandmother used to say that worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair, you might be moving but you’re not getting anywhere.
• Remember why your organization began and how many lives you have changed through your work. Try to write down each success, and remember to pat yourself on the back once in awhile.
• I think we are in a time of resurgence for the arts, our leadership has an understanding of its vital role in humanity and especially for our children. Hey, a President who even writes poetry can’t be bad!

Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on this subject. Has your organization come up with some creative ways to raise awareness and funds. I would love to hear them, you never know who you could inspire to continue to fight the good fight!

-Ann Byne, Creative Director/Principal of The Byne Group