What Is Your Image Of What Fundraisers Do?

December 11, 2015      Tom Belford

Here’s what I mean. If you had to come up with one photo or graphic or illustration of what a fundraiser does, what would it be?

I think Jeff Brooks at Future Fundraising Now has come up with the best I’ve seen so far. I’ll show you in a moment.

But before you send your ‘entry’ in this competition, let me tell you my theory on what a fundraiser does NOT do.

A fundraiser does not cause a person to contribute.

That impulse originates in the donor, tapping into some moral code or belief or value system, some life experience, some innate compassion or concern or fear or need that existed before (probably long before) you the fundraiser came along.

All you did was provide the opportunity to give. You simply enabled that person to act on their feeling. You encouraged and showed them how. At best you were an accomplice.

Maybe you were so good in your supporting role that the donor was even grateful to you … to your organization. If the donor thanks you, you’re a damn good fundraiser.

Your day to be a Superman (or woman)!

Superman

But don’t forget who was really the instigator, deserving of the credit.

So, do you have an image that beats Jeff’s of what a fundraiser does?

Tom

P.S. Here’s Jeff’s explanation.

One response to “What Is Your Image Of What Fundraisers Do?”

  1. Tom Ahern says:
    December 11, 2015 at 1:44 am

    Superman’s ruining my body image. I look more like a pregnant Lois Lane. What was the question?

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