Posted April 13, 202112:56 pm
Written in Digital Journal on 04/13/2021.
Over the course of two episodes and from the perspective of two large non-profit organizations operating in Cleveland, the 'Better Business with Barnes' Podcast took a deep dive into the novel Coronavirus and its overall impact on donations, as well as the current state and future of fundraising virtual events.
Hosted by Barnes Wendling CPAs' Senior Manager Lena Parks, the two-part episode featured a candid discussion with Barnes Wendling Director Laurie Gatten, Director of Development and Communications at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland Melanie Shakarian, and Director of Corporate Relations at The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland Carol Skoglund.
Stressing the importance and value of highlighting fundraising efforts and events, Marketing Manager at Barnes Wendling Rachel Pompeani explains,
"Much has changed over the past year; knowing that many of our non-profit clients and the people they serve were directly and drastically impacted by COVID-19, we believed it would be an opportune time to lead a conversation in which two reputable non-profit organizations in Cleveland discussed how they handled the global pandemic and its effects.
Our aim was to share these conversations with other non-profits so they are able to relate to these experiences and possibly incorporate some of the suggestions and ideas in their own organizations."
While reviewing the impact COVID-19 has had on fundraising efforts for The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, Shakarian said,
"COVID-19 has made our fundraising efforts definitely more urgent. COVID has clearly increased the client population that Legal Aid helps.... So our fundraising efforts needed to amplify so we can continue to grow to meet the need in the community."
In looking ahead in the context of virtual fundraising events, Skoglund added,
"We will continue with virtual options. And it's not necessarily an either-or, but we've got to continue with the virtual options... it's so rewarding, whether or not the results are exactly what you had hoped for…"