I don’t think so. The biggest reason anyone gives is because they’ree asked.
Do you think my neighbors wait around wondering if I need a cup of sugar? Nope. I knock on the door and ask, “I’m making cookies and I don’t have enough sugar! Could you give me a cup?”
Our communities – our world – need philanthropy. And, philanthropy needs fundraising.
“Philanthropy means voluntary action for the common good. Fund development is the essential partner of philanthropy. Fund development makes philanthropy possible by bringing together a particular cause and the prospects and donors who are willing to invest in the cause. The goal is to acquire donors of time and money who stay with the charity. This is done through the process of relationship building. With the donor at the center, fund development nurtures loyalty and lifetime value, thus facilitating philanthropy. You know if your relationship building works because your retention rates rise and the lifetime value of your donors and volunteers increases.
(From Keep Your Donors: The Guide to Better Communications and Stronger Relationships – by Tom Ahern and me.)
