If you’ve had one toe in the nonprofit swimming pool in the past few weeks, since the coronavirus pandemic situation has been unfolding, you’ve likely heard the words “online fundraising” about a million times by now. Lots of nonprofits have had to cancel or postpone their fundraising events because people are practicing social distancing, and they’re not allowed to gather in big groups… I know here in Wyoming, pretty much only the grocery store is open, food is available for pickup only at a handful of restaurants that are still open… and that’s it. That’s how it is in a lot of areas in the country. So, on top of all of the closures and cancelations, a lot of nonprofits have had to stop serving for the time being.  They’re serving in limited capacities or they’ve had to re-invent because they saw a need. I just want to take this opportunity to say – I see you all, I know those of you who are making a drastic pivot and figuring out how to keep serving even in these challenging times are working so hard. I see how you are doing everything you can to help and to take care of people in any way possible, and I just want to say thank you.  Right now, you have the choice to crumble under the circumstances and lie down in the face of adversity, or you can show everyone just how amazing and strong your organization is. Keep showing up. Keep posting, keep emailing, keep serving in any way possible. Your donors and the people you serve will take notice. You are doing an amazing job! Thank you for not giving up! OK – SO – in this challenging time when we’re all trying to figure out our next step, let’s talk about online fundraisers – are they hot? Or are they not? In the past couple weeks, I have heard so many different versions of what an online fundraiser could be… It could be an online auction, it could be a live streamed event where you have speakers call in like on a Zoom call, or some kind of video chat --- I saw one fundraiser banquet that was actually going to take place, but the organization was going to live stream it so people could also watch it online. Other kinds of online fundraisers could be an online appeal, or a donation drive. But first, is it right for your organization?  The first question you have to ask yourself is, is an online fundraiser right for you? For your organization? Let’s use an example… If you’re a school and your donors are already highly invested because they’re the parents and grandparents of your students, then you might be able to have a great online fundraiser. If you’re a new or newer organization and you don’t have a strong, established relationship with your donors, it might be more challenging to have an online fundraiser. But here’s the good news, you can just start where you are! How can you pivot and still raise money? What fundraiser have you done in the past that worked – how can you make it work in your current circumstances?  Do you feel skeptical?  If you’re resistant to the idea of an online fundraiser, and you just feel like this is not right for your organization… listen to your gut. Brainstorm and think of another way to fundraise. Pivot. Start where you are… Send weekly emails - Use this time to build your relationship with your donors by storytelling, talk about what you do, and the value you bring to the lives of the people you serve. Bring value to your donor’s lives – send them a positive, feel good email! Use social media – post 2 times a week with a picture, and text and a call to action – THIS WORKS. I have built an entire business on this method. It works. It gets the most results. Send handwritten thank you notes that tell the story of one person they’re helping because they donated.  Remind them of what your mission is. You know it, but they might not be so clear about it. Tell them over and over in a few concise, clear words what your mission is.  Ask people to give. One of the main reasons people don’t donate is because they haven’t been asked.  So, at the end of your