When they’re new to fundraising, a lot of people feel like beggars. The definition of begging is something for nothing. When your donors give you money they get a chance to participate in the work, to ensure that a critical service is provided to the community, and to make the world a better place. They even get a tax break if they want it. Fundraising is something for something. When you solicit a charitable gift, you’re exchanging one thing of value for something else of value.
There are friendships to be found within that community, and a way of overcoming isolation, despondency — even self-centeredness. Your nonprofit can give somebody a purpose they were lacking. This can be especially true for retirees who no longer wake every day with a purpose and will feel much more fulfilled when they find one.
People need to be part of dynamic, accepting communities; to make a difference; to make our lives count. You, as a fundraiser and representative of your nonprofit’s mission, are in a position to make this happen for your donors. In fact, it’s part of the stewardship that goes along with your job.
The late theologian Henri Nouwen once put it this way:
“I wonder how many churches and charitable organizations realize that community is one of the greatest gifts they have to offer. If we ask for money, it means that we offer a new fellowship, a new brotherhood, a new sisterhood, a new way of belonging. We have something to offer — friendship, prayer, peace, love, fidelity, affection, ministry with those in need — and these things are so valuable that people are willing to make their resources available to sustain them. Fundraising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships.”
And this goes beyond just donations. Engage your donors in volunteer activities. And if you can get them to recount their experiences as part of a donor story, all the better — it will encourage more donors to come forward, too.
At its heart, fundraising is pretty simple. It’s one person asking another to get involved, to provide help, to take a stand, or to join a movement, and to feel good. Yes, there are strategies and techniques, but they are far less important than the one quality you need to be successful: passion for the mission.
Fundraising is not just a monetary transaction. No. It’s a transforming, values-based process that matches a donor-investor to a cause they care about. You’re doing what they already want to do. You help them transform their ideals into actions and carry out their dreams.
If we’re primarily talking about money, we’re lost. Fundraising is about helping. It’s about enabling folks to be the change they want to see in the world. It’s about making a difference. It’s not just about money.
Fundraising is noble and it’s both a privilege and responsibility. Ideally, fundraisers would never fail to thank donors and would always show them the impact of their gift.
Look at fundraising in terms of philanthropy to enable folks to see there can be a positive way to look at asking for and giving major gifts, by remembering the joyful feeling of making a passionate philanthropic investment.
Sources: Bloomerang Blog
Clairification Blog
GuideStar Blog
Planned Giving.com