SEATTLE, Sept. 21, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hundreds of people from nonprofits around the United States are participating in free conference calls on post-Hurricane Katrina fundraising.
Terry Axelrod, founder and CEO of Raising More Money, one of the nation's largest fundraising training organizations, is hosting the calls. Other Raising More Money fundraising coaches and members of groups who have successfully raised money after a disaster are responding to questions as well.
So far, over 800 people have signed up for eight free conference calls. The calls started Sept. 13. (The next call is Sept. 29.)
Questions are coming in from groups in the affected areas, wondering how they will survive; groups working with hurricane evacuees, and groups who have no connection to the hurricane, but wonder how they can seem relevant in light of a national tragedy.
Groups like the New Heights Therapy Center in Folsom, La., an organization that teaches horseback riding to people who are mentally, emotionally, and physically challenged, are facing a very uncertain future. The group has stopped operations, the executive director was evacuated and family members have scattered.
"We're just feeding the horses right now," said Harry Lowenburg, a New Heights development staff member, who asked, "How can we ask for money when people don't have any money?"
Susan Vilardo, executive director of the Literacy Council of Clermont and Brown Counties in Cincinnati, Ohio, asked: "How do I handle or respond to the potential donor who is upset that I am asking for money for our agency when we have nothing to do with hurricane relief?"
Axelrod encouraged groups to link their cause to a problem illuminated by the disaster and showcase the important work they are doing in the community. For example, the hurricane exposed the situation of thousands of people with limited opportunities, and literacy organizations give people better access to jobs and an increased standard of living.
Even for groups with no connection to hurricane relief, she said it's important to acknowledge this challenging time for our nation and thank donors for opening their hearts to the organization's cause.
Raising More Money coached groups after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Florida hurricanes in 2004 and even an earthquake in Seattle.
Axelrod says there is a massive outpouring of compassion right now and people want to be reminded of work that matters, whether or not it is hurricane related.
"What we found is that people are feeling very generous and like giving to local causes because it allows them to make a difference," she said.
Raising More Money has trained and coached more than 2,000 groups, including many chapters of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and Volunteers of America. We can provide much more about the concerns of hundreds of nonprofits, as well as advice on fundraising after a disaster.
The Raising More Money logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1911