Read Larry Johnson’s book, The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising. Use the principles to help guide your fundraising. For example:
Principle #1: Donors are the drivers. That’s donor-centrism. And how many times have I told you that you have to focus on donor interests and their aspirations? Read my blog, Simone Uncensored. Read my NPQ web column and my book Keep Your Donors. Begin each day by reciting Larry’s first principle: Donors are the drivers.
Principle #2: Begin at the beginning. Larry talks about “know thyself,” e.g., the impact that your organization has. He talks about donors as investors. And he makes this important statement: “Investors trust your organization with more than their financial resources. In fact, they trust you with their values and higher life purpose.” As I always say – and so do so many others: Donors give through your organization to achieve their aspirations and fulfill their desires. Donors don’t give to your organization to meet your needs.
Principle #3: Leadership leads. This is another favorite of mine. And Larry reminds us of what Woody Allen said, “Eight percent of success is showing up.” The principle focuses on the role of board members in fundraising. Always useful. Sadly, too often not done very well. Just remember the UnderDeveloped Report released in January 2013. Check out my response to this report in my January blogs, and also posted as an article in the Free Download Library.
Lots of good stuff in The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising.
