SmartMoney: Dumb Article on Fundraisers

    I am sick of the financial media beating up on fundraising. Every few months, some piece appears, seeming to delight in scaring donors with a horror story of an errant ratio or an unorthodox practice. But when I saw this blog called “10 Things Fundraisers Won’t Tell You” on the SmartMoney page of the Wall Street Journal site, I could take it no more. I’ve hit back (in a very lady-like way) with:

    10 Things Fundraisers Will Consistently Tell You

    1. Times are tough indeed, but our donors are still there for us. According to Giving USA 2010, individual giving stayed relatively flat in 2009, despite the economic downturn, just .4% below 2009 levels. Corporate was giving was actually up from 2009 by 5.5%. And while US Foundations gave less in 2010 than they did in 2009, they are expected to give up to 4% more in 2011.

    2. We look for the most effective way to raise money. Every good fundraiser uses their data to determine what is working; invests in what does provide good return; and stops doing what doesn’t. But, it’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Look at the different ways nonprofits are raising money. Some organizations are out on the street asking people to sign up as monthly donors; some do telemarketing; some take massive corporate sponsorships; and some do eight fundraising events every year. We know our data and we use what works for our mission, our donors, and our stage of development.

    3. We’re more interested in building a relationship than gathering information about donors. You know, prospect research and donors screenings can be helpful, but the vast majority of nonprofits can’t afford these services and go out and do old-fashioned research – we go out and meet people. We fundraisers know that’s the best research there is.

    4. The tax code does not dictate charitable giving. History shows that individuals continue to give despite changes to the tax law. Taxes are not their primary motivation. For a thorough analysis, check out the always-amazing Robert Sharpe, Jr., who has written the best white paper out there on possible effects of tax law changes on charitable giving.

    5. We want to keep up with our donors! If social media is way to bring donors closer to our organization, we’re in. Yes, like most professions, we become enamored with new trends, but most of us are still searching for ways to prove the effectiveness of social media, knowing it’s the tool for future donors.

    6. We’re not in the business of converting donors; we’re in the business of tapping into their interests and giving them an opportunity to give. Fundraising isn’t about the hard sell, it’s about giving people the chance to become involved. And donors are grateful for our service! I have made many major gifts happen and the donors thank me for the experience as much as I thank them.

    7. General contributions are important to nonprofits – no question. They are the lifeblood of the operation and the only way to ensure real growth. However, most fundraising operations are centered on the desires and needs of the donor. We don’t want the money to drive our mission, but when there is a match between what the organization needs and what the donor is trying to accomplish, the results can be extremely powerful. That’s what we’re looking for.

    8. We feel the responsibility of being financial stewards of donor money. And what we deliver is transparent financials that are released to the public every year.

    9. “Yes, there is such a thing as too much fund-raising.” And when donors react, we respond by adjusting the way we reach out to them.

    10. We are always looking for ways to improve the bottom line. Whether it be fee-for-service or micro loans, nonprofits are not just relying on gifts. We are diversifying our base so that we can be as resilient as we can be.

    And — I have to add — there is a Donor Bill of Rights that is used throughout the fundraising industry. I don’t remember being shown anything like that when I last saw my financial planner…

    Any others to add?


    1 Comments

    • Shannon Hilt, April 14th, 2011 on 9:37 am

      Thank you Leslie - great rebuttal! I wish there was a “Don’t Like” for Facebook. As if it isn’t hard enough to raise money in today’s financial climate - this makes all fundraisers sound like manipulative scoundrels.

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