When I was growing up in the 1970s, my older sister used to have these “Love is” characters around… for a young boy, they were quite annoying...
… However, using that theme in February, I thought we could discuss just what is “fundraising”:Fundraising is NOT: Fundraising is not bake sales (cookie dough, wrapping paper, wreaths, or just about any DC trip effort)... Fundraising is not begging… Fundraising is not pickpocketing... Fundraising is not sales…Instead, Fundraising IS: Fundraising is the systematic use of limited resources to receive charitable donations (Wikipedia definition)... Fundraising is owning/managing the relationships of the organization (my favorite definition)... Fundraising is philanthropy... Fundraising is nurturing generosity... Fundraising is connecting to hearts… Fundraising is helping connect resources to needs... Fundraising is not apologizing for asking…And last, Fundraising IS vital to our schools, and vital to start now, but don’t just take my word on it:“Faith can exist without money, but religious organizations cannot.” --GW Bowersock“Most religious institutions would go bankrupt, but for the benevolence of a few major donors.” --Laurence IannocconeTransformational fundraising takes a long time. Urgency is the enemy of fundraising.” --Eileen Savage, J Paul Getty TrustStart by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. --St. Francis Assisi
