Ok let's get it out there - this week has been a whirlwind. And it's only likely to continue in the coming weeks. The news and social media is anxiety-inducing for even the most resilient of us.
The charity sector is particularly concerned. We still have services to run and people relying on us. How do we keep helping those who need us most when our funding may be at risk and staff possibly unavailable?
Luckily, our sector is amazing. We are a wide spread team of superheroes, not only working to change the world - but making sure we're looking after each other in times of crisis too. Over the last 24hours alone, I've been so inspired by our sector. From message's like Jem's, a small charity CEO, reminding us to be kind to each other, to fellow consultants and freelancers offering their time to help their clients and charities.
Our community is amazing, and as well as also making time available to speak to my clients and small charities for free, I wanted to collate some great resources that have been put out there into one place.
Practical free resources and offers of help
The fab charity leader Lucy Caldicott is making time available to talk to Charity CEOs and leaders and provide a listening ear and advice
The awesome Wayne Murray has made a similar offer to talk fundraising especially for small charities, and urges others to do the same
The lovely Claire Warner has opened her calendar for a coffee call virtual chat
Bluefrog have written some template letters in case your organisation needs to launch an emergency appeal. Free to download here
Covid-19 Charity preparedness group - A Facebook group where fundraisers and charity staff are sharing advice, best practise and contingencies.
You may already know about Fundraising Chat, but Lesley and Lucy have turned on the mentoring feature to offer peer support. Sign up as a mentor or mentee in the group (I've signed up as a mentor)
Online fundraising platform Funraisin have launched free packages of support to charities to help turn their cancelled events into online activities
Claire Warner has also organised a virtual co-working day on March 26th. Sign up to be sent the details
General sector advice
This advice from the IoF for fundraisers
Charity Digital shares comms advice for writing about coronavirus
Other collated resources
Madeleine Sugden has a very comprehensive blog post of comms advice, links and additional reading.
Collated resources and blog posts from Beth Kanter
Blogs
Above all else, please remember to be extra kind, don't spread misinformation or conspiracy, and take time to look after your own mental health and well-being.
We can get through this together. #ProudFundraiser
If you'd like to arrange a call to talk about what your charity CAN be doing at this time, please send me an email on hello@fundraisersarah.com and we'll set up a time to chat. I look forward to hearing from you.
PS. And just in case it's helpful, some things I can quickly turn around for you are:
Copy writing an emergency appeal letter
Creating a Facebook campaign for an appeal or virtual community fundraising
Turning a physical event into a virtual one and getting the comms and marketing turned around quickly
Donor care calls to event participants of cancelled events
