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Three Things Every Fundraiser Needs to Meditate on Before Making the “Ask”

Suzanne Lieberman

This article was originally published by CauseMatch on August 21, 2017. To see the original article see here




Americans love to shop. It’s almost a national pastime. So why do we generally despise sales reps? Isn’t their job to help us shop? Shouldn’t we be thankful for their service helping us shop?


The reason sales reps are often met with a sense of disease and dislike is because we know that they do not actually have our best interests in mind. They are looking to make the sale. To earn their commission. If the sales rep actually cared about us, actually wanted to help us achieve our shopping goals, we might even pay for their services. In fact, Hollywood stars do — they have professional shopping assistants.

This metaphor perfectly frames how we need to think about fundraising. When you engage in fundraising, it is critical that you are not thinking, “How can I get the money my organization needs?” Rather, you must be thinking, “How can I empower this donor achieve their own goals of being an agent of positive change and meaning?” Bottom line — you must recognize that you are doing a service by giving the donor the opportunity to support your nonprofit.

If you don’t believe that your donors are benefitting themselves by donating to your organization, then you need to get a new job. As human beings, we yearn for meaning, to make a difference, to help, to touch lives. As a nonprofit, you can be a vehicle for that aspiration. You can help people realize their dreams to affect change and make the world a better place.

So before you make your fundraising calls or emails, remember these three things:

1. My nonprofit is making an incredible impact on the world

2. The work that we are doing is unique and important. Without the necessary support, we cannot create the impact we need to.

3. Our donors receive a tremendous benefit by supporting my nonprofit.

If you meditate on these three points before you make your “ask” it will transform your whole experience fundraising.


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I have helped non-profits raise millions of dollars over the past 30 years. Providing personalized attention and expert advice through some of the most complex challenges, I will help you turn your vision into donations.

 

Get in touch with me today and let's start the conversation.

suzanne@suzannelieberman.com

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