Agree with every syllable. There’s something to be said for changing our self-description, too. We’re not fundraisers so much as “hope-raisers.” We give (or sell, really) to donors the credible hope that they can change the world for the better by investing in our merry band of troublemakers, changemakers, educators, healers, and so on. I think often, though, (and here I’m diving into murk I believe but cannot prove) nonprofits go out into the world with a case for support that is pretty uninspiring for both sides. Something little better than: “We do good work. Give us money.”
I really like this article. I believe in my work and cringe when people refer to it as “schmoozing” - I do not have a Master of Schoomze. I build mutually beneficial relationships. Pure and simple. Now if I can get my boss to understand this approach that would be a miracle!
COMMENTS
BY Tom Ahern
ON June 21, 2007 01:46 PM
Agree with every syllable. There’s something to be said for changing our self-description, too. We’re not fundraisers so much as “hope-raisers.” We give (or sell, really) to donors the credible hope that they can change the world for the better by investing in our merry band of troublemakers, changemakers, educators, healers, and so on. I think often, though, (and here I’m diving into murk I believe but cannot prove) nonprofits go out into the world with a case for support that is pretty uninspiring for both sides. Something little better than: “We do good work. Give us money.”
BY Fundraising Professional
ON June 21, 2007 03:13 PM
I really like this article. I believe in my work and cringe when people refer to it as “schmoozing” - I do not have a Master of Schoomze. I build mutually beneficial relationships. Pure and simple. Now if I can get my boss to understand this approach that would be a miracle!