Fundraising\’s Enduring Myth

We’re barely into the New Year and I’ve already seen a dramatic drop off in the number of those exercising at the gym.

I see this every year.

Why?

Because there’s desire but no commitment.

You don’t change trajectories for the better with a few days of good intentions.

The same is true of nonprofits’ who are looking for better fundraising outcomes in the coming year.

This is the time of year when all the purveyors of hokum come out.

“The five secret things you must do to be ready for 2017.”  “The sure-fire way to succeed.”

Nonprofits are attracted like moths to the flame.

Why?

Because it’s consumption over commitment.

You’ve heard it all before.

And yet so many of us continue to be drawn to such fakery and even be taken in by it.

Why?

Because we always think there’s always a short cut.  There isn’t.

Principle 8 of The Eight Principles™ is Invest, Integrate & Evaluate™.  You must invest in your fundraising efforts—money, people, time.  You must work toward common, not competing goals.  You must never be complacent.

If your organization is drowning, don’t grasp for the flimsy raft that promises a quick, easy trip to shore only to falter once you’re aboard.

Learn to swim.

Now that’s a sustainable fundraising idea.