Raising Money in Hard Times: What Charities are Doing Now

This week's Chronicle of Philanthropy reports on the new edition of Giving USA, released last week. They point out many similarities between the current recession and the one experienced in the mid-1970's. If that holds true, donations may not rebound until 2012. However, they give some very specific and useful suggestions on what some charities are doing now to deal with the current financial reality.

RAISING MONEY IN HARD TIMES: WHAT CHARITIES ARE DOING NOW

- Asking donors to give money to replenish endowments wiped out by the financial crash.

- Sparking a sense of competition among donors.

- Soliciting small sums, such as $25 to finance 30 minutes of a scientist's research.

- Toning down lavish galas.

- Letting donors earmark money for specific purposes, like scholarships or employee salaries.

- Urging donors to make monthly donations by credit card or automatic bank withdrawal.

- Using blogs, Twitter, and other online tools to connect donors with the people their contributions aid.

- Focusing on building ties to loyal donors.

- Working with other charities to apply for grants.