MinnPost: Gala in Absentia: Nonprofits Have to Get Creative to Stay Afloat

Nonprofits are as central to life in Minnesota as warm winter hats and goodbyes that take 20 minutes or more. And they (like basically all of society) are facing a tough time.

There is increased demand for the essential services nonprofits provide as COVID-19 tears at our safety nets. At the same time many have had to cancel fundraising events that bring in essential dollars that make their work possible. In the era of social distancing and #StayAtHome, a gala for 250 well-dressed humans in a hotel ballroom, raising auction paddles over rubbery chicken dishes, isn’t an option. Nor are our beloved long goodbyes.

There are ways to raise funds and support nonprofits’ missions in this new reality. It is going to require throwing out elements of the traditional fundraising script and saying yes to new and different ways of asking people to give. Read Full Article