“A politician thinks of the next election.
A statesman, of the next generation.”
-James Freeman Clarke
By RDG Senior Principal Amy Curtis and RDG Principal Brent Jonas
Our team often hears the question: “How will the election affect us?” Our team understands the concern - as many of us have been in your shoes before our tenue at RDG. During my time at the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, I worked directly with elected officials and staff across three counties and five major municipalities, all of whom played a role in funding our efforts and supporting our work.
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of mayors, council members, and regional politics, reinforced the importance of relationship-building. Simply showing up during budget season wasn’t enough. To safeguard our funding and mission, I encouraged volunteer private-sector leaders to join me in engaging regularly with elected officials, emphasizing their stake in the outcomes. This proactive approach built resilient relationships and ensured stability, even in challenging times; challenges, I’m proud to say, we avoided during my tenure.
My colleague, Amy Curtis, Senior Principal at RDG, began her career in political fundraising and offers a similar perspective on the intersection of economic development and politics. She explains, “Whether I’m raising funds for economic development, political campaigns, or nonprofit organizations, my goal is to help communities grow, and grow smart. Achieving this requires leaders who not only communicate effectively but also listen to the needs of their communities. Communities can truly thrive by empowering these leaders and surrounding them with advocates for positive change and productivity. This approach should be pursued regardless of political affiliation.”
Our clients are at the heart of building vibrant, resilient communities. They drive investment, attract businesses, spearhead talent attraction, development, retention initiatives, and create sustainable employment opportunities, all of which strengthen local economies. Elections, shifts in priorities or policies, or budget reallocation can all put these efforts at risk.
With that in mind, here are some reminders of best practices that can help EDOs maintain consistent support through changing political landscapes.
1. Build a Diverse Funding Base
As with any enterprise, relying too heavily on a single source of support can lead to instability. Diversifying leadership and income streams ensures the organization is less vulnerable to changes in any one area and can include a mix of:
Local Businesses: Strong partnerships with local businesses can provide financial support and advocacy. Private sector support also highlights the direct impact EDOs have on the local economy, making the connection tangible.
Community Foundations: Collaborating with community foundations allows EDOs to align their goals with philanthropic missions and unlock new sources of funding that may be less influenced by political shifts.
Individual Donors: Building a network of individual supporters, especially local residents, gives EDOs grassroots backing and a broader pool of smaller, more sustainable donations. These connections often come with built-in goodwill and trust, which can endure through political cycles.
2. Emphasize Nonpartisan Community Impact
EDOs can shield themselves from political swings by making it clear that their mission transcends any party or political agenda. Framing the organization’s work as universally beneficial - job creation, small business support, talent development, economic growth - positions EDOs as champions for the entire community.
Data-Driven Impact Stories: Sharing measurable outcomes, such as jobs created, local businesses supported, and improvements in quality of life, speaks volumes about the value EDOs bring to the community.
Engagement with Civic Leaders Across the Spectrum: Building relationships with officials and community leaders of all political stripes fosters a culture of cooperation and ensures the EDO has champions in every corner of local government, regardless of election results.
3. Lean into Private-Public Partnerships (PPPs)
Collaborating with both public and private stakeholders can buffer EDOs against political risk. PPPs often attract interest from both sectors because they serve shared goals. These partnerships:
Draw Long-Term Investments: By pooling resources from government grants and private investment, PPPs often fund projects with long-lasting impact, which are harder to undo due to political swings.
Create Momentum: When EDOs work with both public and private entities on large-scale, visible projects (such as revitalizing downtowns or expanding local infrastructure), they often create an unstoppable force. Momentum builds, and projects become well-rooted, making it difficult for political changes to dismantle them.
4. Cultivate Long-Term Relationships with Key Donors
Individual donors can be a stable source of funding when nurtured properly. EDOs should focus on building relationships with people who care deeply about their mission, regardless of political affiliation. Effective strategies include:
Engagement: To borrow an old phrase, engagement eats recognition for breakfast. Gold, silver, and bronze tiers, cards on event tables, and plaques on a wall are no match for substantially engaging supporters in the organization’s work.
Campaigns: Instead of relying on one-time contributions, EDOs can implement annual giving campaigns or multi-year pledges that smooth out their cash flow and make it less vulnerable to changes in the political landscape.
Host Exclusive Events: Organizing small, exclusive events for key donors allows EDO leaders to strengthen relationships and convey updates and needs in a personal way. A small investment in donor cultivation can yield substantial long-term benefits.
5. Engage the Community and Build Grassroots Support
Building strong community support is one of the best ways to insulate an EDO from political changes. When the community sees the tangible impact of the organization’s work, they become allies who advocate for its continuity.
Community Events: Hosting public events like town halls, workshops, and open houses allows residents to engage with EDOs in a meaningful way. Seeing projects firsthand builds a stronger connection to the organization.
Transparency in Reporting: Keeping the community informed about where funds are going, the impact of donations, and the ongoing projects fosters trust. When people feel connected and informed, they’re more likely to support the organization in difficult times.
Partner with Local Media: Media can be a powerful ally. Especially when sharing EDO success stories, new initiatives, and human-interest stories about the impact on individual lives. Positive coverage can attract a broader base of community support that transcends political affiliation.
6. Embrace Flexible, Scenario-Based Planning
Finally, EDOs should adopt flexible, scenario-based planning. Instead of assuming consistent funding, EDOs can develop multiple budget scenarios and plan for a range of political outcomes. This allows them to:
React Quickly: EDOs can rapidly pivot to a more conservative or optimistic funding model when a political shift happens.
Reprioritize Projects when Necessary: Flexibility allows EDOs to focus on essential projects first, with optional or lower-priority projects shelved temporarily if funding falls short.
Stay Resilient in the Face of Change: Scenario planning builds resilience, giving EDOs the confidence to carry out their mission even in times of uncertainty.
-----
Political shifts are inevitable, but with a solid, diversified fundraising strategy, local EDOs can insulate their operations and continue creating a lasting economic impact. By focusing on broad-based support, strategic partnerships, and long-term planning, EDOs can weather any political storm successfully and remain powerful engines for community growth.
Комментарии