How To Raise Funds During The Pandemic For Your Nonprofit: Alesha Mathis

In this episode of Nonprofit Architect, Travis features Alesha Mathis, a writer, and mentor in the nonprofit world. Her commitment to nonprofit services and projects manifest her desire to make a difference in the lives of people. She highlights that there are people who want to help and make a difference and that is through nonprofit organizations. Be inspired by Alesha in making a difference by listening to this episode now. Conversation Highlights [00:54] Alesha shares that she’s trying to survive COVID-19. [01:24] Her mind about people raising money in this time of the pandemic. [03:00] Takeaway #1: There’s nothing wrong in asking for help. [04:19] Takeaway #2: You can ask sensitively. [06:24] What is fundraising in the long term and short-term game? [08:24] Alesha’s thoughts about the signature program [10:29] Red Cross is Alesha’s pick for a signature nonprofit program. [12:15] The mission statement that Alesha loves is that of The Methodist’s Town for Children and Youth in Georgia. [15:54] Un-gala,  a new trend in fundraising. [18:55] Alesha gives tips on how to build relationships with donors [22:23] Alesha mentions The Art of Social Media by Guy Kawasaki in building influence and credibility. [23:24] Takeaway #3: Use social media [26:24] Alesha’s advice to start a nonprofit organization [30:24]  Takeaway #4: Collaborate with other nonprofit organizations by creating new programs for them rather than coming up with a new one. [32:55] Alesha contact information Remarkable Quotes [02:12] “People want to help. They wanna make a difference.” [09:31] “Your signature program should be that program that you want your organization to be known for. It should tie directly to your core values and mission.”  [18:54] “You should be building relationships with your donors.”  [21:42] “...Don’t quit asking. I can guarantee you, you’re not gonna get donations if you quit  asking.”  [26:42] “Donors like to know they are making a difference, and so show them how your organization through their donations is making a difference.” Bio Alesha Mathis is a Fundraising Coach and Consultant who works with new and small nonprofits. She teaches them how to raise money that funds their mission and transforms the lives of the people they serve.Alesha believes in nonprofits and the work they do to help the community. Everyone is touched by a nonprofit through hospitals, animal rescues, the American Red Cross, and so many more. Often, on the worst day of your life, you will encounter a nonprofit providing hope. She also believes nonprofits should operate as a passionate business, never losing focus on the compassion they have for the people they serve. And they should be empowered to do so, using low-cost and no-cost fundraising and marketing techniques to skyrocket their impact.Alesha has worked for local nonprofits for ten years serving in the administration, marketing, PR, programs, and board member of new and established organizations. She worked for a variety of nonprofits. They ranged from over 400 employees and a multi-million-dollar budget to nonprofits with less than 10 employees and under a million-dollar budget. She has written appeal letters that brought in $80,000 and written grants that helped fund missions.Alesha has been a panelist for the Digital Marketing Boot Camp by the Small Business Development Center University of Georgia. When she’s not creating actionable content, taking care of her clients, or figuring out how to best help those she serves, she is taking part in Netflix binge-watching, spending time with her family, and taking care of her cats.Alesha holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Information Technology with a minor in Marketing from Macon State College. She is the author of "I HAVE MY 501(C)3! NOW WHAT? Your Blueprint to Starting Your Nonprofit Without Being the Sole Funder." Connect with Alesha www.mathisnps.comhttps://www.facebook.com/MathisNonprofitServices/ http://www.mathisnps.com/AtTheTop https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleshamathis/ https://twitter.com/alesha_mathis @alesha.mathis- Instagram