Blueprint Fundraising

Recommended reading: The Zen of Fundraising

I’m going to review some of the many books on fundraising that I’ve collected over the last few years, some of which are excellent and others that are closer to science fiction, set on the planet Gwoeckt where all nonprofits follow strategic plans, donors are compliant sheep and board members truly lead the fundraising process.

I am a sucker for books filled with 101 of anything or 52 ways to do whatever…

And I’m really enjoying a little paperback called The Zen of Fundraising: 89 Timeless Ideas to Strengthen and Develop Your Donor Relationships by Ken Burnett.

All Burnett’s books are excellent and this one from 2006 is filled with advice and wisdom presented in a light and direct way. Each tip is supported by stories and examples from his experience. Here are 4 of the 89 ideas:

#21. “Never believe ‘that won’t work here.’” (How many times have I heard that! And how many times have I thought that myself?)

#18. “Recognize fundraising’s three most important words.” (In case you are wondering, the words are may change mind, highlighting the importance of donor stewardship.)

#71. “Be proud to be a fundraiser.”

#48. “Talk to donors where they are, not where you want them to be.”

Along with the serious tips, he has silly quotes to make you smile:

“If you can keep your head when all others around you are losing theirs… it’s just possible that you haven’t fully appreciated the situation.”

“Before criticizing someone you should walk a mile in their shoes… then you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.”

A Bourgeois Duty

The McCord Museum has some cool online tours of their Canadian history collection. “A Bourgeois Duty: Philanthropy, 1896-1919″ has some amazing photos documenting the role of philanthropists in the care of vulnerable populations and the development of cities (before government assumed the leadership role we see today).

This 1908 photo shows the kitchen and volunteer workers in the “Montreal Diet Dispensary” which “cooked and delivered nourishing food to the sick poor, the convalescent and the incurable.”

Lessons from one of BC’s biggest campaigns

Mary McNeil, CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation, spoke at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She presented an inside view of the evolution of one of the province’s largest capital campaigns. The campaign recently ended, having raised $95 million for new research facilities in Vancouver and Victoria.

Mary’s main point was to remember the importance of government. Although it wasn’t predicted at the beginning of the campaign, they ended up raising well over half of the goal from government. It was the only sector of the campaign that raised more than planned.

What worked for them was treating government as a major donor — taking time to build the relationships in person (which means leaving Lotusland for Ottawa and Victoria now and then), building proposals that help government staff meet their own goals, and showing your deepest appreciation.

She also reminded us not to be self-centred whiners (ok, she didn’t say it quite like that). Having an attitude that you deserve the money and government should just hand it over doesn’t work and only irritates the people who can help you.