Tips for Messaging your Funders in Uncertain Times

Kathryn Hall

In these uncertain times, many nonprofits are worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their finances. How do we ask people for money when they are terrified for their health and safety and preparing for the worst-case scenario? Why will they consider funding us when they are watching their retirement accounts plummet?


Our partners at Turnkey help organizations like yours refine their communications, using a combination of social psychology, proven research, and a little bit of magic. On Monday, March 16, they convened a web conference to share strategies to help nonprofits connect with funders during this challenging time. In it, social psychologist Otis Fulton and 30-year fundraising veteran Katrina VanHuss use real research to explain how you can still make hay when you can’t actually push fundraising.


I was so impacted by the helpfulness of this discussion, I asked for permission to share it with you. And Otis and Katrina were more than happy to share, saying It’s a time we all need to help each other. 

Creating Forward Movement When It’s Crass to Fundraise (Webinar + Resources)

• Recording of the webinar
• Powerpoint deck
• Sample message text

If you have any questions or need additional information, you can contact Otis Fulton at otis@turnkeyp2p.com.