Fundraising in Uncertain Times
The 24-hour news cycle may suggest a “wait and see” approach to your donors, history tells a different story. Uncertainty can be an opportunity to forge deeper and more profound philanthropic partnerships. While supporters remain deeply committed to your mission, current events have replaced confidence with caution. Our role is to meet donors where they are; acknowledging their anxieties without losing sight of the impact they still wish to make.
In this expanded, interactive workshop session will seek clues from the history of giving during past times of uncertainty. Then we will discuss ways to cut through the noise and the “panic of the moment” to reach the heart of donor intent. We’ll consider the mechanics of some “uncertainty-proof” giving vehicles and the opportunities to deepen donor engagement. Our focus will be on the power of mission-centric messaging to maintain long-term organizational vitality, avoiding the trap of reactive, “crisis-mode” fundraising, and the fundamentals that help move the conversation from a place of scarcity to one of lasting impact.
Uncertainty is a reality, but it isn’t just a hurdle – it’s an environment where the most profound philanthropic partnerships are forged. Uncertainty can be a catalyst for deeper donor engagement. Each of us brings our own unique experiences and skills to our work. As a community of fundraising professionals we possess great wisdom. Join us to explore how we can move beyond the headlines and the crisis of the day returning to the fundamentals of philanthropy and how to expand the donor conversation from scarcity to impact.
Presenter: Craig Wruck, Senior Advisor, PGCalc
Craig Wruck’s experience in charitable giving spans more than 40 years in leadership positions in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. He retired as Vice President for University Advancement at Humboldt State University and has served as Vice President for Advancement at Minnesota State University, Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at Hazelden Foundation, as well as Director of Gift Planning for the University of Minnesota, and Vice President of Development for The Saint Paul Community Foundation. In addition, he has held national positions at U.S. Trust Company, US Bank, and Kaspick & Company.
Craig is past president of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners and served as chair of its government relations committee. He received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Committee on Planned Giving, the Clinton A. Schroeder Award from the Minnesota Gift Planning Association, and was named Outstanding Fundraising Executive by Minnesota AFP in 1989. Craig is the author of Planned Giving in a Nutshell, a practical guide to planned giving for development generalists. He earned his MBA from the University of St. Thomas and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Utah.
RSVP to afpsouthernmn@gmail.com.
Free for AFP Southern Minnesota members.
Non-members are welcome to participate for a nominal $25 registration fee to AFP Southern Minnesota.
Checks payable to AFP Southern Minnesota; non-members must bring your payment to the session.