Non-Profit Businesses Seek New Ways to Compete

Posted by Fundraising Pro on June 1, 2009

As revenues fall for many non-profit businesses, their leaders are taking steps to limit losses, hold on to customers, and try to ride out the financial storm. Christian fundraising groups and school fundraising committees are not immune from having to come up with new fundraising ideas.

But the news isn’t all bad.  Some business run by Christian fundraising groups and other nonprofit groups, like thrift stores, have actually been boosted by the recession, and a growing number of groups are turning their attention to newer industries, such as recycling and clean energy, that they think will grow in the near future A survey of 848 charities released last week found that 54 percent now run businesses. Of the groups that did not already run a business, 57 percent said they were think thinking about starting another one.

Some charities find that with a well-thought-out plan, now can actually be a good time to build or carefully expand a business, as many basic costs, such as rent or employees, are lower than they would be in a booming economy.

For some charities with more than one business, growth in one can cushion the organization against losses in another – and even in fundraising.
To attract more business and increase the funds that can go towards their mission and achieving their goals, many nonprofits are selling the Samaritan Card. This discount shopping card not only pays for itself after the first few uses, but organizations do not have to burden volunteers with the complications of storing and distributing bulky items such as tubs of cookie dough and rolls of wrapping paper. The wallet-size Samaritan Card is a great way to support great causes.