Empathy is an essential quality for the successful fundraiser.
The question is empathetic with whom?
Most would think it’s empathy and concern for those who will benefit from the work of their organization.
Think again.
Properly directed, empathy is for the givers not the receivers.
Empathy for donors?
“I’ve got a goal to meet. I don’t have time holding peoples’ hands.”
There’s one little catch with the go-go- approach, however.
The more empathy a fundraising development professional has toward investors the more successful they will be
–at meeting and exceeding goals;
–at acquiring new investors;
–at closing ever larger major investments.
Empathy is a directed quality. Expressed to and directed for another.
When fundraisers are successful—I mean REALLY successful; over the top successful; consistently, they have a highly developed sense of empathy for individuals who are philanthropically inclined.
That is, the donors. The investors.
You read that right. It’s the donors to whom you should focus on. Always.
Why?
It’s simple.
Principle 1 of The Eight Principles is Donors are the Drivers®. Donors drive the philanthropic enterprise. They DON”T however, drive it with their money.
They drive it with their dreams, their fundamental values, their desire for significance.
Fundraisers, get it all wrong when they think fundraising is about raising money for the cause they’re representing.
Because it’s not.
When you put your prospective investor first, you open the door to transformative experiences. And investments.
But it’s a tough thing to do.
Because yours is such a
–worthy cause,
–urgent need,
–critical project.
Philanthropy doesn’t start with the many people you want
–to help,
–to serve,
–to save.
If you can demonstrate true empathy for those who want to invest their resources.
And
–learn their desires,
–understand their struggles (yes, struggles),
–appreciate their concerns,
–build authentic trust.
A funny thing will happen. You’ll reach fundraising heights you never thought possible.
So how do you get your colleagues—even your entire organization–thinking in alignment with investors?
Build a culture based upon The Eight Principles®—the organizing principles of philanthropy.
We can help you get there.
When you live the principles, it’s impossible not to be empathetic.
Our skills and team building approach is unique in the nonprofit world.
It delivers permanent outsized results. Today. Next month. Next year.
Like to know more? Talk to us.
We look forward to speaking with you.