To shore up your donor base during uncertain economic times, it’s important to stay engaged with supporters — whether they are giving or not. Organizations should talk to donors to find out what they’re thinking. Listen carefully and respond accordingly, says Laura Fredricks, a fundraising consultant and author of Hard Asks Made Easy. If donors are unnerved and pull back, be supportive. “Say, ‘We totally understand. If there’s anything we can help you with, let us know,’” Fredricks says. "... When all this is done, they’re going to remember you.” For more sound advice, read How to Retain Skittish Donors Amid the Economic Turbulence.
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Performing Arts: Venturous Theater Fund’s Venturous Capital Grants support productions of new plays perceived as especially challenging at nonprofit theaters across the U.S. Support is provided for productions of text-based, author-driven new plays that are ambitious in scale, epic in scope, challenging in form, controversial in subject matter, experimental in concept, or unabashed in their theatricality. Grants primarily range from $5,000 to $30,000; letters of inquiry accepted May 1 to June 2.
Civics: The Herb Block Foundation’s Encouraging Citizen Involvement grant program seeks to help ensure a responsible, responsive democratic government through citizen involvement. Support is provided nationally. Proposals may focus on citizen education and greater voter participation in the electoral process. (All projects must be nonpartisan and may not involve lobbying for specific legislation or candidates.) Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000; letters of inquiry due June 4.
