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November 6, 2008
Faith or Fundraising: An exercise in vocation
Jason posted recently on his blog A Small Change about his own vocational struggle. I'm not surprised (and said so in my comments on his blog). A fundraiser must subscribe to his or her ability to affect change on two levels: one, a general interest in helping others affect change and two, a belief in the orgaization you represent--it's values, goals and work.
Fundraising is essentially providing the fuel for an organization or individual to accomplish some goal or task that they believe will make the world a better place. Because of it, organizations experience fully funded budgets and sustainable work efforts that ultimately ensure stable and lasting results. This knowledge alone provides enough strength in the weakest moments to keep pressing on, to make one more phone call, write one more letter and host one more dinner.
Great fundrasiers - those who are the most successful - are the ones who actually believe in the organization or cause they represent. There is a sparkle in their eye when they talk about. There is a "x" or "it" factor that translates on a gut, human level and tranfers an energy beyond words that generates a measurable response.
Fundraising and development work are comprehensive and holistic efforts. They require every skill imaginable, including a childlike belief that the impossible can take place.
Jason obviously has this. And he recognizes that changes - even small - are the catalyst of revolutions and total transformation both in individuals and cultures.
Fundraisers are just as important as the ones who carry out the work. In fact, they may be more important. There are more people ready to carry out the work than there are people who are equipped to fund the work.
Keep up the great work Jason!
Posted by bstroup at November 6, 2008 2:59 PM
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Comments
Jason does have "it" and so do many other fundraisers. However, I do agree there are also many who are doing it for the wrong reasons or for a cause they are not passionate about and their efforts suffer. You have to be liked and trusted before someone will give you any significant amount of money. Thanks for the reminder as to the importance of fundraisers.
Posted by: Roger Carr at November 7, 2008 8:41 PM
Thanks for your thoughts Roger. It's a good reminder that people give to people, and people give in response to an emotional connection. It's a very human process.
One of the rules I've learned in my career is that people give to people they know, like and trust. It's the same principles of selling 101.
I wonder how people find the motivation to do the work of a fundraiser if "it's only a job" and they don't really buy in to the cause or organization they represent.
Posted by: Ben Stroup at November 8, 2008 5:46 AM