Letting donors know you share their pain can go a long way toward lessening your organization’s.

By Katya Andresen

5. Don’t undersell yourself.
In an era when so many investments look like they’re offering low returns, you are priceless. Remind your donors of their amazing ROI with you. For a few dollars, they get a helper’s high. They feel good because they did good. It’s cheaper than therapy. Their investments in your organization don’t yield paper profits; they change lives. Always. Be passionate and persuasive about your emotional ROI — and your human ROI. Those who can afford it will get it and give.

6. Admit to donors that it’s hard.
While explaining that you’re a great investment, admit that your numbers — and the numbers on your donors’ investment portfolios — are down. Everyone feels the pain, so share the pain. Note that every tiny bit helps — however tiny a bit it is. It’s harder to turn down someone who is understanding of constraints and asking for even the smallest of donations. It’s a great time to ask for recurring gifts — just $10 a month. Ask now, because things are going to get worse before they get better. FS

Katya Andresen is vice president of marketing at Network for Good.