Hardly a day goes by that I am not asked to contribute to someone’s worthy cause. It could be a very personal and individual request as when a bright faced young person rings my doorbell and asks whether I want to buy her candy bar to support her school’s activities. It can be broader request for a donation to a cultural, civic or social-service organization that does very good work in the community. Either way, there is almost always the implicit or explicit material return—the candy bar, for example.
Everyone once in a while I am asked to invest. That invitation doesn’t usually come with a request for money—at least not at first. What the solicitor wants more than anything is my emotional investment in an idea, a worthy outcome, in the improved lives of those in my community.
Once I’m committed emotionally, once I am firmly convinced in my heart—not just my head—that what I am being asked to be a part of is something really worthy doing, the idea of putting my material resources into it to help make it a reality is a “no brainer.”
After making my initial investment, if I see my values being honored, the vision being realized I am not only willing but eager to help more. I like to be appreciated; however, so I’ll usually hold back until it’s clear I’m wanted and needed.
It’s that way with investing. When you see the right things happening, you want a bigger involvement. Even then, it’s nice to be asked.
When you want me to invest learn who I am and what’s important to me. Principle 4 of The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising® is Learn & Plan™. Learn first who would support you by their values and interests and then plan how to reach out to them. The rewards then belong to both of us.
