Most of the anxiety surrounding fundraising comes from a faulty mental paradigm. When we seek out another to ask them for a charitable gift, we assume that we are taking. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Actually, we are giving. Indeed, we’re giving the individual who contributes out of his or her financial resources something far more valuable. We’re giving them the realization of their dreams, their values.
This is why transactional fundraising approaches-anything built upon a buy and sell model-are so inefficient at raising money. Raise money they do, but without much hope for the next gift and with tremendous ongoing effort.
If you’re pitching to prospective investors and they aren’t investing, it may be what you’re offering. Are you offering a trinket or personal fulfillment? In many ways, donors are looking for a reflection of their better selves. Give it to them and they will reward you.
Principle 1 of The Eight Principles™ is Donors are the Drivers™. Donors drive philanthropy with their values–then their dollars.
