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In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.
In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:
1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
3. In fundraising, one person gives and another receives.
4. You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible.
5. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.
Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .
I had long believed that numbers really matter to the fundraising campaigns but this module enlightened me that stories are far more effective than just numbers.
Many of the myths taught were things I was aware of before but I will admit the ONE myth that caught me off guard a little was myth 2. I appreciate how it was clarified.
I was surprised with the myth number 02 that fund raising is all about knowing rich people but its is good to know every one can facilitate and support to some one in his capacity.
Hi Humayun,I also believed so until i took this course,
@StephyJamaica said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:
Many of the myths taught were things I was aware of before but I will admit the ONE myth that caught me off guard a little was myth 2. I appreciate how it was clarified.
hello Stephy, the lecturer's explanation on that myth2 enlightened me a lot about fundraising
hi,
i really appreciate all the insghtfull ideas shared in this module, in fact i learned a lot because i was having so much difficulties about how to raise funds for start up organization ,But now i know how to start. The myth that surprise me is te number four; as a beginner, i thought i should let the donor know more about my organization rather
I feel as if myth number 3 is often overlooked because some organizations do not reward their donors.
I must admit that, I was surprised with myth 02, I am happy with the way the lecturer explained and clarified it. Before now I though fund raising was all about knowing rich people. Now I get to look at it from a different perspective.
I did not notice that I believed in most of the myths of fundraising before this discussion.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because, I did not believe cash was the only dividend to efforts as a Fund Raiser who is telling exciting stories of heroism. One question I have about myth 7 was demystified when Tom Wolf said that Fund Raising has no dissimilarities when an "In-Person" fund raising is viable from "Online" fund raising.
because people usually thinks that who we can donor its always the money.. but its not true, we can donor our time, place , food , share the clothes we dont need.. : )
I believed in myth 2 and 3 Fundraising is knowing rich people only, and that in Fundraising is that other gives and another receivesitalicised textbolded text
I was most surprised to learn that myth 5 was not true because I have always thought that statistics and facts are the only things that donors look for in proposal. One question I have about myth 4 is how is that telling less of your organization better ? .
I was also surprised about myth #2, but i liked the way this was cleared with a good explanation.
Yes, this was the myth that surprised me the most. I would have thought I was advisable to give as much information as possible. However, the clarification that it is best to listen to the donor to IDENTIFY points of convergence and then use those as entry points into the conversion .... GREAT !
I always thought it would be important to give potential donors as much information as possible. It makes so much sense that the key is to let them talk, ask questions, learn about their ideals, and then share stories about your organization that most closely match with theirs. To me, this actually makes fundraising easier- it's less about having to make a pitch and prove yourself, and more of a meeting of the minds and a collaboration.
I had the same taught too until this coaching, now I know is not for the rich but any anyone who believe someone's cause of a good faith to assist ur help a thing for better community or society.
Myth #7 talks about internet changing how we do fundraising. At first I believed that internet has significantly changed the core methods of fundraising until I learnt it through the podcast.
@amyreneehunter, although you may be right I beg to differ with your statement. It is rather the case that some organizations fail to make their donors realize how they benefit by donating to the former. If well understood, an organizations can make their donors fully understand this phenomenon.
@Tabotndip, I am glad you know better now.
@Dedenace, thanks for the response to the thread.
@JuniorObonyo, please note that the assertion "...saying less about your organization to a donor is better" was arrived at from a practical point of view. As humans and for that matter donors, we are mostly moved by stories (emotions) as compared to other things. Therefore, in telling stories about beneficiaries and how the project transformed their lives from bad to good is sure to land you success than saying so much about your organization.
Thanks for the response @sfrolive.
@yaifatou, thanks for the response.
@eileensugameli, thanks for summarizing the point in listening more to donors when fundraising.
@NipunShakya, it feels good to know you have come to terms with the knowledge of the myth now.
Well the fourth myth got me surprised because I always thought that a donor would always like to know in what he or she is investing his or her money and letting him or her know about everything was to me the best way of doing so. But while listening to de Mr. Tom I realized how right he was about some people loving to talk about themselves. It is in fact an effective way to get the donor familiarizing with the cause and getting interest. I am enjoying this course so far. very exiting to learn new things!!
Hello, I understand what you say but as said by Mr. Tom, the donors are most likely to receive intangible gifts . What I mean is that, most of the time the reward is simply and purely the satisfaction of taking part to something great. I also think that donating to a particular cause could help someone have some new friends who have the same field of interest.
You are most welcome to acquire a lot more knowledge from the course @Dydy.
@Dydy, your response is on point. Thanks for making it clearer for us all.
For long I believed in the myth that in fundraising, one person gives and another receives. I am more enlightened now, thanks
You are most welcome @Gadarthur05.
Honestly, I'm surprised to see that number one is a myth...
I've always thought that fundraising is only about cash.
Now I know better
You are not alone on this ooo
I've also had the same belief.
I'm glad I know the truth now.
I am glad you know better as of now @NKECHIEJIMOFOR.
I was surprised to learn that stories can be more important than statistics in catching a donors attention.
Well I think that the internet FRx offers more windows for networking that in-person FRx. With the increasing popularity of the Social Media I strongly believe that a FRer can easily and quickly reach out to many well-wisher (donors, supporters, funders) that can support his/her cause.
By this course I understand why the platform of Give.asia Vietnam is popular and get much fund? as the operation team tell the story of patients suffering their illness due to lack of money. Currently many media companies support small non-profit organization to fundraising by posting their stories' beneficiaries on website or social media.
I was surprised on myth 3 as I always focused on what the beneficiaries obtained from the fund granted by donors, and thought that to make donors be happy after donating. However the fact that donors not only receive respect but also good reputation in community.
Realizing you didn’t need to know rich people before you could raise funds for your Non profit. Help me a lot. It’s true the concentric circles thing, I wonder why I had not thought about it earlier
I have been extremely amazed when I learnt myth number 5. Because I was thinking that donors were interested to know statistics and facts or figures.
@Cody_Ochoa, yeah that is so right. It is also because humans are moved to act by emotions.
@elm, you aren't wrong in your assertion. Thanks for joining the discussion.
@NhaChauHeThanh, the reason being that emotionally stories have the capacity to move people to act towards a cause.
Thanks for the shared view on myth 3 @NhaChauHeThanh.
@deinsebobotamuno, you aren't the only one in that surprised state. It is a general observation which surprises everyone who had no knowledge of the myth prior to taking the course.
Well, there you go @BestTraining. Donors are more interested in beneficiary stories than statistics.
Wao looks great
I always have a myth that fundraising is about finding organization for fundraising however it can be done via random people though I am assessing how can be this done for an organization working in human rights area.
I was surprised on myth 3 as I always focused on what the beneficiaries obtained from the fund granted by donors, and thought that to make donors be happy after donating. However the fact that donors not only receive respect but also good reputation in community.
@Yoofiquansah said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:
@NhaChauHeThanh, the reason being that emotionally stories have the capacity to move people to act towards a cause.
Thanks for your summary.
@Emmanuel_Shafquat, as explained by the myth you can start fundraising with the people closest to you first even before you look beyond that.
About Myth 2, I agree about not only rich people donate, but should a differentiated strategy be established for small donors and large donors?
Hi Eileen, I completely agree! I have been operating under the idea that its important the donor sees as much information and transparency with our project/mission as possible. Personally, I always want to see all the information to help me decide a project is vetted/ effective, so I did not consider it from an outside perspective. While info and transparency are important, it is incredibly true that people are most engaged in a topic of conversation when it is centered around their interests. Sometimes it feels like a bit of a challenge to me to approach donors to learn about their interests and then weave our organizations missions into those things, especially if they are different subjects! But it is a lesson in the art of communication, and as Tom Wolf stated, making the donor feel special.
myth #4, talking about the donors interests and letting the donor speak more rather than us talking about our goals and initiates may do the trick.
it is exiting to learn fundraising. i thought a donor is interested in what i do but i have learned new ideas here.
I had a little bit of knowledge so I was not surprised
I came into the course with the business mindset of numbers and statistics. so, it came as a pleasant surprise when I learnt that stories are a much more compelling fundraiser truth than stats.
I have learnt 7 myths associted with fundraising. After each point was explained I have gained a clearer picture about fundraising. Have appreciated the point that in fundraising they is a two tranaction both sides receives something and in is important to ask yourself what are giving for the support you are receiving. And fundraising needs you to build a network of supporters and compelling stories are equally important besides statistics and facts when it comes to winning donors.
So stories of beneficiaries are critical.
I was surprised to realise that there are myths about fundraising and I would also call them misunderstandings about fundraising. That once you have done training in fundraising then you then have the facts which clear up any misunderstandings
I am Charles: To large extent I believed that fundraising is all about knowing rich people but this course has changed my thinking and inspired me to identified very many potential donors to approach in future.
Hello I am Fabricio from Honduras most of the myths actually blow my mind to be honest I always picture fundraisng so different now I see it very different and more acessible
I was on the same spot with you now I see it so differently
Nothing really stood out.
Myth n. 5 surprised me since my previous experiences taught me that facts and numbers are crucial and that KPIs are the most important aspect to share with potential donors and stakeholders. This lesson taught me that empathy and emotional stories can create a stronger connection and they can also change the mission’s approach. I personally loved myth n. 3, the fact that you can contribute also with your time, your friendship, your personal skills. I really appreaciate the human side of the fundraising.
@csala, feeling this great about the course as a student gives us the best of feeling as a school. Thank you for the complement.
@nloli, please note that regardless of the strategy adopted the principles of the myths still stand. Hence you should have them in mind at all times when dealing with a potential donor/an existing donor.
Well done @CMN.
Not at all @nloli.
@aconroe, thanks so much for the awesome response you submitted.
@Israelgoodlife, I am glad you know better as of now.
@Duku77, such a summarized response to the collective myths. Thanks for joining the discussion.
Yes! @Duku77, stories of beneficiaries are very crucial to winning a donor.
Exactly the point @garveyharris. Once studied, the myths can transform anybody into knowing the truth.
I was most surprised at myth 4, because it seemed appropriate that you would tell the donor as much as possible about your organization and its cause.
In myth # 4, it is interesting to see Tom's response. In my previous meetings with donors or other potential influencers (I call donors as influencer), I used to elaborate everything to gain his/her confidence. But, this point gave me new thought. I apply the learned skill for sure.
I was surprised when I learned that donation is not only money but even time
I think it is a great module for us to learn .
I think it is a great module for us to learn .
@thihakaungset Great that you like this module. Which myth surprised you most then?
@OtienoOmondi Are you planning to ask for in-kind donation or volunteerism from your donors from now on?
@csala Great that you used the term "human side of fundraising". Hope that you have applied some human skills in your fundraising effort since the course. Meanwhile, feel free to take this related course you might find it useful: https://courses.philanthropyu.org/courses/course-v1:PhilanthropyU+Fundraising_201+13_2.4_20191223_ondemand/about
I was also, surprised to hear about myth Nr4, however I then realised how people are not eager to listen to the others. The course was really enlightening.
On a rational level, if I look at all 7 statements which represent the 7 myths, I know that they are incorrect. But subconsciously, I still feel some of them, especially number 2 and number 6. Number 2 I think it will clear by itself once I learn from experience that the truth is otherwise (I am currently at beginning of my fundraising journey, with no real-life experience). Number 6 is because we are a very small team, and everybody else is super busy with their own tasks and I am the only one assigned for fundraising. So currently, yeah, I am the "superstar", but the important thing is that now I know that this must change, so once I learn more I will find ways to involve others from my organization and from outside.
Thanks! I really enjoyed this module!
@mphanna68, thanks for sharing your response with us.
@Taimoor_Basharat, please do well to apply all the skills acquired from the course, and you would be glad you did.
@KaterinaM, thanks for the complement. I hope you appreciate the myths as of now.
You are most welcome @Lucian_C.
You're welcome.
The myth number 2 surprised. I was believing that to fundraise I needed to know rich people. So with this course the reality has changed my vision of fundraising. Thank you, Mr Tom!
You are most welcome @baruahadi.
Well, it's well understood that you done have to know rich people and organization before risen funds.
Certainly, it was a fascinating for me.
@Sharris, I am glad you have come to terms with the myths.
I was surprised about the essential elements of the effective donation letter should include the mission of the organization and about the specific needs .
The fundraising ideas such as to engage with family, friends
The seven myths of fundraising are quiet enriching and some of them serves to reinforce my previous beliefs. One point that stood out to me and which came as a real surprise is that of extending our fundraising solicitations even to those closer to us. All along i held the mistaken belief that its only the big names who far away from us to be approached.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 3 was not true because I thought people had a responsibility as humans to help others but one question I have about myth 3 is, what if you have nothing or you think you have nothing to offer them?
Myth 1 really did catch me of guard, I mean when ever hear about a fundraising campaign I immediately go to the conclusion that cash/money is the only thing that is being sought after. But this module really demystified and provided me with valuable knowledge regarding fundraising.
In this introduction about the multiple myths related to fundraising, I learned that it is not necessary to tell much about our organization as much as the importance of the stories that we always face through our work to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people and refugees and they affect us a lot, so what about these donors ,they are a human beings and they are affected just like us or more. Because they do not deal with them like us.
I have been most surprised by myth 4. "You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible". We indeed tend to think that to develop relationships with potential donors, we should value our own institution's qualities and assets, while as Tom says, the most important is to value our potential partner itself and how its activities would benefit from our project