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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
I found out a long time ago just how useful a good story was, something to compel people to work with you both in fundraising and in general. The more friends, the wider net can be cast, the better your fundraising efforts can be. It's a virtuous cycle that pays dividends!
I know enough about Fundraising to be dangerous, so none of these were a surprise. I do appreciate how they were described with examples. Very helpful.
I know enough about Fundraising to be dangerous, so none of these were a surprise. I do appreciate how they were described with examples. Very helpful.
@Obikaviola, in most cases because we dwell so much on cash we tend to forget the essence of in-kind donations. Therefore, at any point in time there is something to be offered which can cater for a cause.
@ibnmohammedisah, I am impressed with the outcome of the knowledge acquired from your study of the myths.
@clugaz, what Tom seeks to make all learners realize is that by inquiring a lot about donors, you can find best means of channeling across your cause to him/her for a successful donation.
I am really glad to take this course and find more about fundraising. I did not know that a story can be much more important than the statistical results in the field of fundraising. I look forward to learn more!
I was quite surprised learning that stories are actually fundamental donor engagement perhaps even more than statistical presentations. Looks like I will be placing greater emphasis on compelling story telling
I was quite surprised learning that stories are actually fundamental donor engagement perhaps even more than statistical presentations. Looks like I will be placing greater emphasis on compelling story telling
It was surprising to realize the myth number 4; since I thought that the more information potential donors had about the organization or the project the better, but the reality is that it is better to focus on the aspects that interest them the most in order to capture their attention.
I was Surprised about myth number 6 which states that a fundraiser is an individual who works alone to succeed.
My opinion is that it takes two to tangle so when fundraising is done by many it is easier.
@ZtugceOz, yes! there is so much power in stories than there is in statistics and figures. I hope this stays with you for good.
You better do from now onwards @heavenboundpkay.
@Saavedrajairo2406, you captured it right in you conclusion statement.
@BEAUTTAH, please don't get the knowledge of the myth twisted. Contrary to your initial assertion, it seeks to make us know that it is a myth for anyone to assume that a fundraiser is an individual who works alone to succeed. In other words, team work is the uttermost way to achieve in fundraising.
I agree with you. We were always told that numbers matter. My question has been, why does it seem that we use the same statistics for over 10 years? With all funding that has been raised to address the problems, why are not often seeing the impact?
By the end of this module, you will master the words that donors and fundraiser use, understand the importance of having the proper designation/registration of your organization as non-commercial enterprise, understand how the type of funding a donor gives may impact how you can spend it, and determine whether your organization will be a good strategic fit for potential donor.
@Rachana-Cambodia, that is so much knowledge engulfed in a single course. I am glad you acknowledge its presence in the course.
@Matapa, thanks for contributing to the ensuing discussion.
The response to your first question is, most people aren't aware that dwelling on statistics during fundraising is a myth, therefore, its use for over 10 years.
Contrary to your second question, we may not be previewed to enough information to conclusively deduce that, we do not get to see the impact of the funds raised to address a cause. Granted that there is enough evidence to it, your question will effectively stand.
Myth #2 stood out to me the most. As we start our non-profit, the team is focused on the "deep pockets": wealthy individuals, corporations, businesses, etc. The idea being, the most amount of gain (donation) with the least amount of effort (not having to engage so many people) but now I can convey to them the fallacy in that approach.
Thank you so much for sharing comments and I am too glad that I can attend this course.
Hi. Even i was of the opinion that the donor needs to be aware about everything about the organization but now i understand that we should be a good listener and give him/ her information that will be of any interest to the donor.
I'm grateful that i learnt about the fundraising myth and i have corrected wrong notion about it.
I was surprised to learn that number 7 was a myth. I would have thought that the the tools and mechanisms of fundraising would have changed dramatically in the internet age.
Most Surprised about myth no 4 "You should always tell more about the organization" Listening to donor and correlating to the org work
You are absolutely right. Stories have a way of appealing to donors more than we think.
@mokaro2000, thanks for understanding and accepting the knowledge of the myth.
You are most welcome @Rachana-Cambodia.
Rightly put @ayesha_malim.
@Dannytex, it feels great knowing this from you.
Yes! one is likely to think the way you do @mac4law, but upon acquiring the knowledge of the myth all that changes.
@Suman_Sen, getting surprised about the myth upon its realization is the first step to acquiring the right knowledge from the myths.
@AbrahamOmaleDaStoryteller, that is rightly said.
Thanks for the response @Miljana.
I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD NEED AS MANY STATISTICS AND FACTS AS POSSIBLE TO PRESENT TO THE DONORS. BUT NOW I KNOW I OUGHT TO LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO TELL ALSO
Its about listening to Donor and connecting your organization's Mission and Vision with the donors thought
Raising funds needs no rich and wealthy, you can reach people rich at heart
Internet can be really a quick source for crowd funding
Donor and not much interested in statistics, they are more interested in story
I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because I thought that fundraising is only about getting cash . also myth 2 i surprised because i thought that Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
kkkkkk same here always thought that cash is the master key in fundraising
I was most surprised to learn that myth 2 was not true because i always thought a great fundraiser is one who knows or have connections with the rich people not knowing that everyone around us and in our lives plays a vital role either in cash donations or inkind donations.
Storytelling as key to success!
No wonder most successful politicians are good storytellers.
I was most surprised about the fact that you do not have to tell a potential donor everything about your organization as fast as you can. That makes sense though: it would come over narcissistic if you only talked about yourself. By letting them talk about themselves they will be in a good mood and more likely to donate. Especially if they feel someone listens to them and cares about what they have to say. If we were to talk only about ourselves they could probably feel like they are being lectured and end up not giving anything. Some mind tricks there in other words :-)
That is for sure @AbundanceMolebatsi.
@felly, I am glad you know better as of now.
@vincent1996maart, thanks for your response.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 4 was not true because earlier I always used to tell people more and more about our organisation in order to male them potential donors but now I realised my mistake.
Myth #2: Raising money is all about knowing rich people. - This one is a complete eye opener for me. Changed my view and helped me breakthrough a misbelief.
The myth that most surprised me was myth number seven. It is very hard for me to believe that in-person fundraising and online fundraising can be so closely compared. It had always seemed to me that you would need very different methods and. honestly, personal characters to succeed at the two.
I believed in time past that i should largely tell my donor about my project and give them so much on the project . This training has made it obvious to me that i need to allow the donor tell me more about their needs
I was also surprised by myth #4. I have always thought that by giving the donor information about your organization you somehow impress them. I've learnt that you need to listen more to what the donor needs. Generally, all the myths were very insightful. Thanks, Tom.
I am delighted you do @MokshGrover.
@kilicerdem, that is awesome.
Exactly the point @crystalchigbu.
You are most welcome @Geoff2020.
I WAS ALSO SHOCKED TO SEE THE MYTH NO. 2 BECAUSE THIS WAS SOMETHING WHICH STOPPED ME FROM MY WHOLE INTO IT.
Myth 4 said let's donor know details about your project, this is very important because it will tell them the benefits or impact your project will have on the intended beneficiaries and will be an encouragement for them to participate in your good plans
Was shocked about how fundraising doesn't really care much for statistics facts. Always felt that donors would pay more attention to what can be scientifically assessed.
I thought as well, and I know realize it's also great to have storytelling skills, because, the way you go for it also matters.
Many points surprised me and I'm glad I can see things clearly now. I was a little bit slow to make my organization known because I thought I didn't have the perfect people around me.
It's not about people I know to get funds or what I need to get things change in my community!
Another great point is that everyone in my team is an asset in fundraising activities.
Finally, how to interact to find donors in internet, it's not different as if we were doing doing things in real life.