Over the long weekend I had an opportunity to catch up on some blog posts and stories that caught my eye last week. It’s not often that I’m disciplined enough to actually go back through my feeds to play catch up – but I’m glad I did. I was struck by a conversation taking place on Skoll Foundation’s Social Edge [2] moderated by Jill Finlayson [3] and Hildy Gottlieb [4] called, Issue Fatigue – Fighting for Attention and Funds in an Aware World [5]. The basic premise is that perhaps we’re not suffering from donor fatigue as much as we are overwhelmed by the causes that surround us as we go about our daily lives.
- It’s the economy. With the disappearing grants, dwindling corporate support, and declining donations, fundraising confidence is at 10 year low [10] with more than 93 percent of fundraisers saying the economy is having a negative impact on fundraising. There is less money and more need [11].
- It’s the number of nonprofits. With more than 1.5 million in the U.S. alone [12] (up about half a million in the past four years), and new people starting nonprofits [13], appeals are up and competition for discretionary funds is greater.
- It’s the awareness. With Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth and global leaders speaking out, people believe they need to change their habits to save the world. We have reached a tipping point [14] in public understanding of climate change and many other issues.
- It’s the internet. With so many more ways for people to help and ways for nonprofits to reach supporters, it is no longer just direct mail. People can help their favorite nonprofits by nominating [15], voting [16], joining [17], sharing [18], evangelizing [19], blogging [20], petitioning [21], auctioning [22], gifting [23], loaning [24], and making small changes [25], taking small actions [26].
Is your organization or cause tredding a little differently in this new hyper-connected world? Do you see your personal style of giving changing? Or, are you just plain overwhelmed?
Comments
I accept the sad state of affairs but I'm trying to live my life with little difference from how I normally would in a booming economy. I feel more compelled to do so simply because so many industries and businesses are hurting. I'm still visiting restaurants (especially local ones), for example, while many people are looking for ways to buy in bulk, save money and cook more at home. I wonder if functioning in this fashion will turn around and bite me eventually but I don't feel that it will help me to worry about that right now.
Similarly, I haven't pulled back in my giving habits but in some respects, have increased my efforts. I welcome these opportunities and my appreciation for the increased awareness grows daily. I might be an exception to the rule but I don't feel overwhelmed at all. I like feeling that I am still doing my part to help "support the economy."
Rebeca
www.karmacooler.com [28]
@rebecatrautner
Rebecca, thanks for the thoughtful response and great attitude. Many are taking this time to retreat and be a bit more cautious about both spending and giving. But, finding a way to give back that is comfortable for you is key - and it sounds like you're doing just that!
Cheers, KDS