When is the Best Time for Fundraising?
© The Navigators. Do not use without permission.
Fundraising consultants debate on the best months make with fundraising appeals. Here is some “worldly wisdom?” When is the best time for fundraising?
January—Tired after the holidays. Donors out of money paying for Christmas.
February—Donors buying chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Too cold in Northern Hemisphere. Too hot in Southern Hemisphere. Still paying for Christmas.
March—”Beware the Ides of March!” (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar”).
April—Taxes due April 17 in US.
May—End of school year in Northern Hemisphere. Donors buy graduation presents.
June—Donors still paying for Christmas. Kids out of school. Parents tired.
July—Second quarter corporate earnings report is dire. Apprehension abounds.
August—Vacation month! “Take half as many clothes and twice as much money.” Advice from my grandmother—rarely followed!
September—Kids start school in North. Fees for books, sports, field days, new tennis shoes.
October—Christian conferences. Busy days. Getting ready for Halloween.
November—Donors buy new cars with year-end sale prices. Pay off debt on old car.
December—Getting ready for Christmas.
The best time for fundraising? Not January, not February, not March…. not December! Actually, the best time for fundraising is Leap Day—February 29, 2020!
Leap Day was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC to keep the calendar in alignment with the earth’s revolutions. It takes the earth 365.242189 days to circle the sun. That’s 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds.
You’ve got 24 (plus) hours! Go for it!
But what does the Bible say?
“He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap.”
If you wait for the “perfect time” to make fundraising appeals, you won’t make even one.
If you wait for the “perfect time” to make fundraising appeals, you won’t make even one. There is always wind, there are always clouds, there is always a reason not to launch a funding appeal. There is always a reason not to list your Top 25. There is always a reason to postpone making a phone call to set an appointment
Today, download the Top 25 Worksheet and list the names of potential partners God has put in your world. Then pray over them! Even if it is windy and rainy. Get out there! See what God will do when you take this simple bold step! .
