Mainebiz Giving Guide

V O L . X X V I I I N O. X X I G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 2 – 2 0 2 3 10 GIVING GUIDE Mara Robinov-Moorhead CEO, Girl Scouts of Maine Mainebiz: How has your organization's approach to fundraising changed dur- ing or because of the pandemic? Mara Robinov-Moorhead: During the height of COVID, we did smaller Zoom meetings and more individual calls with donors. Rather than seeking event sponsor- ships, we had conversations with companies about building partnerships and relation- ships. ere does seem to be an interest in getting back to events, but we have seen a change with the type of events people are looking to attend. It seems donors are more interested in getting together on a smaller scale where they can really reconnect with people. I think the days of the big, fancy galas might be behind us. MB: To what extent did Girl Scouts of Maine step up fundraising during the pandemic, and how do you keep that momentum going? MR-M: We had the opportunity dur- ing the pandemic to concentrate a little more on building stronger relationships with some of our longtime donors. is resulted in a significant gift for us. Shift- ing resources from events will allow us to continue to build those connections and grow our donor base. Everyone stepped up, as Girl Scouts do, to support our local healthcare workers, first responders, and educators during the pandemic. As a council, Girl Scouts of Maine donated over 12,000 boxes of cookies to Northern Light employees in Portland and Bangor. Girls and troops also contributed using their funds earned from the product pro- gram to buy materials and sew masks, purchase personal care and other items to distribute them to other nonprofits in their communities. ey helped animal shelters with food and other items, found unique ways to correspond with and visit nursing home residents who could not see families. And, of course, they donated cookies from their own supplies. MB: How much did Girl Scouts of Maine raise last year, and how did that compare to pre-pandemic? And this year's fundraising target? MR-M: Our annual fund has been rela- tively stable the past two years. However, we lost close to $100,000 in event revenue due to the pandemic. I would like to see us double our annual giving and corporate support over the next two years. MB: Any new or upcoming fundraising initiatives planned for 2022? MR-M: Everyone is reimagining events post-COVID. We will continue with our Pearls of Wisdom annual event in Ban- gor and are planning a new event in the Portland area for spring/summer 2023. Girls Scouts of Maine has four beautiful camp properties. We operate camps dur- ing the summer and continue to develop programs to utilize those facilities year- round to generate revenue. Matt Donahue Chief Impact Officer, Heart of Maine United Way Mainebiz: How has your organization's approach to fundraising changed dur- ing or because of the pandemic? Matt Donahue: e most significant dif- ference since the pandemic started has been less in person time with businesses and donors. The combination of less employees to speak with and precautions being taken at businesses has limited that contact. However, the pandemic has also increased the visibility of the needs in the community. People are more aware of how delicate a neighbor's economic situation can be, and how making a gift can help relieve the pressure for a struggling family. MB: To what extent did your orga- nization step up fundraising during the pandemic, and how do you keep that momentum going? MD: Very early in the pandemic, our United Way coordinated a telethon to help raise funds for nonprofits. ese gifts, total- ing more than $300,000 locally, went to nonprofits that needed funds to continue safely serving Mainers in need during the pandemic. e past couple of years has dis- played, yet again, how supportive our state is, as well as the resiliency of our nonprofits as they provide their vital services. MB: What can you share about plans for the $2.2 million investment to support local nonprofits? MD: We are thrilled to support our com- munities through this significant investment of $2.2 million over the next three years. Multi-year funding is critical to helping our nonprofit partners implement their programs, and generate lasting results. Tens of thousands of our neighbors will be safer, have shelter and food, receive the treatment they need, and grow and develop during their formative years because of these donor-funded grants. MB: Any new or upcoming fundraising initiatives planned for 2022? MD: We are continuing our efforts to raise funds that support our initiatives and the work of our nonprofit partners. We're actively reconnecting with our sup- porters and are excited to have more in- person events. e just launched Hope- ful Campaign suggests existing donors increase their gift by 8.5%, to celebrate our 85th anniversary. Matt Wolcott Senior Vice President, Resource Development and Governance, United Way of Southern Maine Mainebiz: How has your organiza- tion's approach to fundraising changed during or because of the pandemic? Matt Wolcott: United Way's fundrais- ing model has been heavily reliant on our workplace campaign [which entails] employees giving at their work. A big part of that has always centered around Changing times for fundraising B Y R E N E E C O R D E S As Maine nonprofits get back to in-person fundraising that was put on hold during the pandemic, they are stepping up efforts to be more impactful and connect with donors in new and more powerful ways. Here's the lowdown from five nonprofit leaders. PHOTO / JIM NEUGER P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F U N I T E D WAY O F S O U T H E R N M A I N E P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F H E A R T O F M A I N E U N I T E D WAY Mara Robinov-Moorhead of Girl Scouts of Maine Matt Wolcott of United Way of Southern Maine Matt Donahue of Heart of Maine United Way

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