Donors are People — yes they are.
You’d think that was self-evident. I haven’t seen lions or tigers showing up on donor rolls, lately.
Donors are People. Let me repeat it for those who missed it the first time.
And yet, by the words that fundraisers sometimes use, you might think otherwise.
Only recently, I’ve heard a fundraiser refer to a donor with significant giving ability as the “big Kahuna”. Another suggested that we should go out and “stalk” our prey to get an introduction. Yes, that is the word that was used.
Sounds more like big game hunting, doesn’t it?
Most people I know are a bit put off being treated as objects of prey.
But it’s just terminology, you say?
Yes it is.
The thing about the terms we use, however, is that they reinforce how we think. They shape what we do.
Principle 1 of The Eight Principles™ is Donors are the Drivers®. Donors drive philanthropy through their visions and values.
Donors are people too.
