It is tempting to put the Covid-era behind us and dream that the future is nothing but oversubscribed mass participation events and gleeful major donors flinging cash around with abandon. But times are still tough and 2023 will not be without its challenges. However, the pandemic in some ways armed us with a range of coping mechanisms that can be utilised as adversity lingers.
Over the last couple of years, the accelerated switch to digital has given rise to virtual and hybrid challenges that have disrupted the traditional event channel. Even as in-person events come back, the virtual fundraiser is still proving popular with supporters as the flexible nature of the format, and their ownership of it, allows them to stretch their creativity and tailor the challenge to suit their own abilities. This also widens the net, by allowing those who cannot or would not consider, for example, running a marathon, the opportunity to fundraise for the causes they care about on their own terms.
Collaboration both between charities and with corporate partnerships around campaigns has been another welcome by-product of Covid. Joint campaigns can not only cut down costs for individual organisations but can also extend the donor pool, especially for charities where the causes are similar or align in some way.
One aspect that is crucial for the sector to retain as we move forward post-pandemic is the new-found flexibility of funders. Getting money for core operations and running costs has always been a sticking point, as funders want to see the direct impact of their cash on the lives of the beneficiaries. Truth is, like with the emergency oxygen mask in an airplane, you can’t help others if you can’t function yourself. For small organisations, core funding is essential and welcome adaptations by funders to give more flexibly has been a lifeline for many.
Lastly, future proofing. One thing the pandemic has shown us is that nothing is certain. Innovation is brilliant, and fundraisers are brilliant at it, but nobody knows what is around the corner. So, it is prudent not to be too quick in throwing out the tried when testing the new.
@stevejcotterill
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