Beliefs

What do you believe about fundraising?

What do you believe about fundraising?

What we believe shows up in the way we practice fundraising.

Many practices reveal money is the highest value and lives at the center of the work. This belief defines the experience of fundraisers, donors, and people in the organizations.

As you continue reading you may believe that money is at the center of fundraising. It is what fundraisers do. They are given a financial goal and the work is to find the money. It’s not wrong to prioritize money. We can choose our beliefs.

When money is the only reason expressed for fundraising, a fundraiser’s value is only the money. The results for the fundraiser are:

1. feeling responsible if the donor decides not to give

2. lacking connection and information with the program and budget staff

3. feeling work is never done

This situation reflects the belief that money is the only value for fundraising and the culture reflects that belief. Financial goals are met and what is the cost?

Principles in money focused beliefs reveal:

1. Donors are valued in the size of the gifts.

2. Donor retention is focused on those who give the largest gifts.

3. Effort is on acknowledging the money the donors give.

4. Focus is on the financial goal

As you read this post what thoughts or feelings come up? Is there a connection to fundraisers changing jobs in 16-18 months or donors quitting after 1-2 gifts and CEOs not wanting to hire fundraisers?

What if the desire people have to help was respected as building better communities? Fundraisers would invite donors to

1. Give to help and support the mission and community

2. to connect and belong as partners

3. Renew to continue the meaningful experience.

The belief of fundraising work is best when bringing people together to build better communities through giving. Change our beliefs and change the work and giving experience.

Would you be interested in exploring how beliefs impact the way we work?