Last Thursday, the Bank of Canada predicted a steep, short-term recession for the country ending sometime early next year; this despite economists at Canada's major financial institutions predicting a more protracted, difficult decline. Maclean's magazine published an article predicting that 250,000 Canadians could lose their jobs 2009. And Canada's voluntary sector is waiting with baited breath to hear what, if any, kind of economic stimulus package it will receive when the new budget is announced this week. Times are indeed tough.

So how is a fundraiser to stay optimistic on the job with such negative press, and a collectively depressed North American community that seems positioned to tighten its purse strings? Some leading fundraising experts urge calm. ...

In Vancouver, another fundraising expert, Harvey McKinnon, CFRE and president of Harvey McKinnon Associates - who also recently published his new book, The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks and the Answers All Donors Crave - says that professional fundraisers should stay attuned to known donors throughout the downturn.

"In tough times you want to stay close to your friends. Many donors cannot give at their previous level; some who still like your organization might not be able to give at all. It's important to stay in touch with them to let them know that you still care about them as much as you care about their financial support," he says. "When times get better they will remember your consideration. I would also consider keeping donors who fall out of a major gift club as members. Obviously, this depends on the level of giving in their history - but it's worth examining."
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