Start in a different place.
When we’re raising money for our charitable causes the default place to start is to set a goal. Determine where we want to end up.
After all it’s about providing the critical resources, we need to deliver on our mission.
Allow me to make a modest suggestion. Why not examine your starting place, first?
You see, being successful in fundraising, hugely successful, is NOT about what you’re doing so much. It’s about who you are.
It’s about the way you’re thinking. It’s about the assumptions you’re making.
Your organization’s paradigm of philanthropy literally determines your fundraising capacity. That’s amount you can raise no matter how hard your work, what things you do, how many people you ask.
To raise more—and keep it—you need to adjust your paradigm securing philanthropic support. Actually, your entire organization must do this.
What’s “a paradigm of philanthropy”?
Who are your supporters/donors to you? How are they incorporated into the life of your organization. BTW, it’s becoming trendy these days to talk about “relational philanthropy” and “relationships” with donors.
From what I’ve seen from many of these efforts, there are at most rebrands of the same old same old quid pro quo. Perhaps with a little softening and window dressing applied.
Don’t mistake conventional techniques relabeled “relational” as being a new paradigm. It’s not. I’m talking something different. Fundamentally different.
So, what does it really mean to have a relational identity?
Those who make financial gifts to support your work are making INVESTMENTS. But notice—they’re making investments in THEIR dreams, their goals.
Your organization has two jobs:
First discern why your investors invest and what they are expecting as a return. Note we’re not talking quid pro quos like auction purchases or material tchotchkes. Investment returns for philanthropists are always intangible and often quite personal to the investor.
Heaven’s no. (Such things are demotivating and even out right offensive to INVESTORS.)
The return they want is intangible. Often subtle and almost always highly personal. How do you learn this? The easiest way to find out is to ask them.
Second, everyone—I mean everyone—in your organization must share in the identity of welcoming investors as partners. Understanding that your investors are equal players in your organization’s drama.
Remember your investors (donors to some) are your customers.
Back up—-Read that again.
Nonprofits often mistake their beneficiaries, those who benefit from their mission, as their customers.
No. It’s your donors, your investors who are putting resources into the organization. These are you customers. Those who are expecting a return. An intangible and personal one.
Giving your investors the return their seeking requires creating habits throughout your organization which reinforce this.
Examples are as simple as the way phones are answered.
They way you respond to inquiries.
The way members of your organization listen to and respond to investors.
I’m not talking about maudlin and obsequious platitudes. Genuine, heartfelt and personal will to.
Most of all remember that it’s not about you, your cause, your good ideals.
It’s about giving joy to others. Your investors. It’s about serving your beneficiaries.
You’re only the facilitator.
Your reward is what you’re really seeking. Improving the lives of others.
We, at The Eight Principles, guide organizations to embrace an identity of philanthropy. We show you how to adjust your organizational culture to lock in these benefits.
Amazing what happens. With a few adjustments you’re raising more funds than you ever thought possible.
Truly.
Want to your organization to truly have “impact”, with both those who support you as well as those you support?
At the Eight Principles we’ll get you there–and cheer you on along the way.
Let’s get ready. Talk to us.