Various stats have shown that people do not trust several charitable trusts. Well, to support this statement, many people have taken undue advantage of operating such trusts, contributing to people’s disapproval towards them. Then, some people have been working endlessly to contribute to society through charitable trusts and charity. But, the truth is, only 19% of people trust charities. In addition, everyone in such a sector would want donors to look beyond indicators like the overhead ratio. Post that, evaluate nonprofits on how they have been operating and achieving their goals.
Speaking of which, the fact is that people who donate regularly rely on financial backdrops when they make their minds on where to donate their hard-earned money. They get concerned about executive salaries, overhead expenses, and how much is to be spent on fundraising activities. When it comes to the modern age and its form, the public often thinks it is a spook or scam, adding insult to the injury. As a result, we have listed down some vital factors that can drive people’s negative thoughts and assumptions towards your charity.
1. Use Cost-Effective and Credible Ways for Fundraising
Remember, you need to be as professional as it gets. Donors may purchase your products, but that’s not where the big buck is. It is essential to know that not even Girl Scouts rely on selling cookies alone. Hence, use well-organized and smart fundraising techniques to convince people about what you have been doing. Since businesses have adapted and learned the hard way, customer service is reckoned as the king of the market. So, whatever you do will impact your reputation in the game. Follow the same activity for nonprofits as well.
2. Be Accountable
One has to be accountable at all costs. So, keep the financial scene in order and ensure to transfer most of the donor dollars into the programs. Be transparent about the entire ratio and keep the overhead expenses for your charity reasonably low. Besides, you can also make the financial info available on the internet or in publications. You can even hire an auditor to check the books and report the information to gain donors and their trust.
If you want to help donors move from considering straightforward markers like overhead, determine ways to document the results. For that, you need to gather the right metrics for the program. Measure, report, and then request specific donations.
3. Make Volunteers and Donors Your Most Essential Audience
Remember, if any piece of bad news about your charity enters the media, you will lose your volunteers and donors. So, consider them as your most influential audience. And, when such a news clipping does make rounds, quickly get to your audience and reassure them with facts and figures. Let them know that you’re still in control of everything and be prepared for a contingency plan. Besides, make your donors your best pals.
Find ways through which you can incorporate reliable people in the inner circle. One can also invite them to serve on the primary board. Yet another way is to consult donors whenever a big change needs to be implemented.
4. Respond Quickly to Complaints and Questions
If you’re inviting potential donors to get in touch with you through the website, assign a staff member for prompt replies and responses. Moreover, give several ways for donors to contribute, at the office, through the mail, website, or at their offices and homes. There is nothing more upsetting than a significant donor who wishes to donate but can’t figure out any medium or find anyone for assistance.
Consider training your support staff to use seamless customer relation methods and techniques and understand how to handle and administer the most common problems. Set up the website for everyone to know about their point of contact. Moreover, adding photos of contacts, gatherings and mentioning email addresses can also influence several decisions. Also, explore how the online chats work on the website.
5. Publish an Annual Report
Since nonprofits do not have to publish their annual reports, you can follow this step to establish the much-needed trust for professional relevancy and reputation. Well, annual reports need not follow traditional forms and types. Instead, make an online report or a simple video. In the end, ensure to follow the right financial health report of the organization and how specific donations are assisting the groups you serve.
6. Keep Your Paperwork Up to Date
Ensure that the entire paperwork is updated. Nothing hinders a donor’s interest more than observing that tax records aren’t available or are not up to date. You need to know that these donors can check major nonprofit websites like CharityNavigator or GuideStar. Moreover, the IRS requires the nonprofits to make their 990 documents available along with the tax exemption application in the determination letter.
Featured Image Credits: Pixabay
