How Will a Natural Disaster Affect Fundraising?

The United States responded to the tsunamis by raising over $1 billion by March 1, 2005, and the fund was more than $1.4 billion by April 28. Foundations and businesses made contributions of at least $522 million in cash and products. Polls showed that more than one-third of American households gave to the cause.

A current question presented by those interested in launching fundraising campaigns in 2005 is, what effect will the devastating destruction that hurricane Katrina caused have on the giving expectations for their campaigns? We can not predict the future, but we can give you the effect that past disasters, such as the tsunami, had on fundraising.

Since 1984 giving to education has grown by 162% with only 62% growth in disposable personal income in the same period. Total giving in 2004 reached $248.52 billion dollars and educational fundraising consisted of 13.6% or $33.84 billion dollars, second only to religious organizations.

Despite the natural disaster, educational fundraising in 2004 increased by 5.4%, in the previous year the increase was 3.4%. Educational giving strengthened while overall giving was spread throughout an increase in charities of 4.8%. In 2004 there was an 80% or above success rate reported for major gift fundraising, and all educational campaigns of $1 billion or more that closed in 2004 exceeded their goal.

While the United States helped support those affected by the tsunami, raising over $1 billion, they continued to faithfully give to other charities. As previously mentioned educational fundraising continues to increase despite the natural disasters, and the increase in charities to donate too. Educational Fundraising is on the rise, against all odds!