We’re wrapping up the Beacon’s 2014 fundraising year, and I wish the news were better…
First, the good news. This fall, a dozen volunteer canvassers reached out to 158 Beacon readers who hadn’t donated yet in 2014. Of those readers canvassed, 68 stepped up and made their donation for the year (up 26% from last year) – thank you! (Almost all of the other 90 readers canvassed just never replied.)
Sadly, the best efforts of our canvassers and this year’s nearly 300 donors were not enough to match last year’s total, let alone move us closer to a stable and sustainable future for the Beacon. The total number of donors so far in 2014 is down 12% from our 336 donors at this point in 2013; the total amount raised so far in 2014 is down 18% from the total at this point in 2013.
Finally, more good news – there’s still time to at least match last year’s numbers! If you haven’t supported the Beacon yet in 2014, please do so in the next few days, before 2014 runs out. Turning this weak performance around at the last minute would send a powerful message about what the Beacon means to the community, and what the community’s willing to do to keep it publishing.
If you haven’t donated to the Beacon yet this year, please don’t wait! Use the coupon on page 4 of the current issue, or click the Donate button on any page of AndoverBeacon.com. If you have questions, visit AndoverBeacon.com/Donor-FAQ or contact me at Charlie@nullAndoverBeacon.com or 735-6099.