The only thing tougher than raising money in a local political campaign is raising that money during a recession.
The bad economy is hurting everyone. On a national level, both the Republican and Democratic Parties have seen a decline in fundraising. Though fundraising usually declines in the month following presidential and midterm congressional elections, this cycle has seen a greater drop in donations than in the past cycles.
As a local candidate, you can expect that your donors will make smaller and fewer donations.
To keep thing profitable, you will need to run a lean campaign and keep a cap on your fundraising expenses. The upside of a recession is that businesses and establishments that you use for your fundraising events will work harder to get your business. Work to negotiate the prices of services. Less overhead means greater revenue for your campaign.
In your printed fundraising materials, acknowledge that money is tight and emphasize that your campaign is running as lean as possible. Emphasize that their contributions are vital to keeping the candidate’s message before the public. Keep your direct mail fundraising letters short and to the point. Give your donors specific reasons to support you.
While you want to save costs, don’t make the mistake of making your campaign materials boring and plain just to save a buck. Advertise differently and use a little flair. Your fundraising pieces will need to stand out from the rest, and your mailers will need to work harder than ever.
The same goes for your phone efforts. If contributors are donating less, your phone campaign will need to become that much more aggressive in bringing in the dollars. Candidates themselves should be working their own network of family and friends, as well.
Start building your donor list early in the campaign season. Donors should be asked to contribute several times, with greater frequency as Election Day approaches. If momentum is not generated early, it will be that much harder to raise funds later.
Finally, use your campaign website as a means to solicit and accept online donations. People who might hesitate to write a check might be more inclined to make a contribution online.
Whatever you do, don’t let the tough economic climate discourage you! Though it’s tougher to raise campaign contributions, you’ll raise nothing if you don’t try.
Just keep plugging until Election Day!
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