December 27, 2013
When it comes to giving, Americans have their concerns about where the money is going and how it's being used. According to a study by global research company YouGov, inflated salaries and administrative expenses are the main deterrent to making a donation.
Of the nearly 1,200 adults surveyed, 50 percent said they were put off when they didn't know exactly how the money was being spent, and 45 percent were worried that the charity was associated with a political party or religion. However, 49 percent had still given to a charity in the last 12 months.
Improve fundraising by helping donors understand the organization's needs
While the inflated salaries of nonprofit execs have been a topic of news stories on occasion, funds are needed for administrative costs. Especially during times such as a natural disaster, donors want to see their money in action. When possible, it's important to explain that all funds are used for the organization's mission, even if they seem indirect.
Depending on the group, donor hesitation can vary greatly. Donors that give to most small, local nonprofits will probably not require the same transparency as donors to a nationwide charity. It is easier to see donations in action on a local level than it is a national stage.
Preparing for the post holiday slump
In addition to easing donor concern about how money is spent, nonprofits must always remain aware of the decline in donations that will likely follow the holiday season. Giving spikes near the end of year because of the impending tax deadline and increased number of charity drives. It's important that some funding be set aside to prepare for leaner times. It's also key to make sure fundraising strategies are at their best before the the holiday season arrives.
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We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!
Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.
Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.
It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.
NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.
Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.