We may never know when disaster will strike. However, with the right team and proper planning, your nonprofit can make a huge impact in disaster relief. We learn how to put those plans and processes in place to mobilize donors immediately on this week’s episode of The Modern Nonprofit Fundraiser podcast.
Our guest is John Lyon, the President and CEO of World Hope International (WHI). World hope is a Christian relief and development organization that works with vulnerable and exploited communities to alleviate poverty, suffering and worldwide injustices.
John has worked with the organization for more than 18 years and is considered an expert in global development. He has more than 12 years of experience in international law and shared some of his best insights on planning for the unexpected, leveraging technology to connect with your donors and how to find balance in the midst of all the chaos.
Key Takeaways from This Week’s Episode
We enjoyed all of the tips John provided, but our top three takeaways are:
- Preparation is key. In a disaster, donors will want to give cash, goods or services. Your team needs to be ready to mobilize all three of those donations. Make sure you have a training team ready to give your volunteers all the information they need to provide relief as soon as possible.
- Constant communication is imperative. To keep donors engaged and ready to give, they need to see the impact they made. Close the loop with as many donors as possible to create a deeper connection to your nonprofit.
- Hire smart people. Working in the nonprofit space can feel chaotic at times, especially if you work in disaster relief. Hire smart people who know exactly what to do next, so that you can focus on the big picture decisions.