The economy has been the focus of many headlines over the past five years. Most people outside of the nonprofit world do not consider the impact that the ups and downs of the economy have on charitable organizations.
In October 2012, more than fifty percent of non-profits reported a lack of any increase in giving during the first 3 quarters of the year. The giving freeze is likely related to the salary freeze or decrease happening in companies large and small around the country. The same percentage of organizations facing the lack of increase in giving in 2012 expect the trend to continue into year-end giving, which is typically the largest giving period of any year. The recession has even seen some non-profits considering mergers to survive.
In December 2012, Philanthropy.com reported that during the recession, giving among upper income Americans declined by $30 billion. Those earning less than $100,000 reported a decrease in giving by $4 billion.
The giving decreases, coupled with financial uncertainty in Washington, are forcing non-profits to get creative with appeals and outreach. Geronimo Solutions LLC comes to the rescue with a fresh idea for fundraising with their TravelPledge platform providing support for non-profits at black tie fundraising galas, silent auctions, live auctions and raffles.
Vacation Homes for Charity reports that vacation homes are unused 85% of the year and makes use of the gap to raise much needed funds for non-profits. Generous vacation rental owners and managers can extend their booking seasons, get some great promotion and some incremental revenue.
A custom TravelPledge site makes it easy for non-profits by offering support for each organization’s fundraising efforts with a customized website. Non-profit organizations are provided with all of the tools to promote these fabulous experiences with their supporters.
This simple and non-traditional fundraiser can boost a lagging year-end budget, as well as kick-start non-profit fundraising in the new year.