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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.
I was mostly surprised about myth 4. I always felt one should let out much information about what you do so as the donor will have the confidence that if he/she donates it will be used for the intended course. but then I understand Tom's argument on the importance of listening to the donor.
@alvinthomas-1, I hope the knowledge of the myth will impact your actions positively henceforth.
@Gbemigaoni, your response indicates you might have misconstrued the message carried by the myth. The myth rather encourages the fundraiser to enquire a lot about the donor, in order to deliver as expected by the latter. You can go back at your free time to listen again for clarification.
However, delivery of your cause to the donor is best done in the form of storytelling regarding beneficiaries.
@Romulus5, it is rather evident that storytelling has the utmost power to appeal to the emotions of donors to act in accordance with a cause. I am glad you know better as of now.
@Gertykem, you are right in your assertion.
Thanks for summarizing your view on the myths @Gertykem.
Voila!! @Nkemdilim, you got the knowledge of the myth clearly.
I am now more cleared about the seven (7) myths of fundraising. Thanks, for the explanations
I have learned quite a lot from this module. It put some things into perscpective for me. I believed that numbers were the top priority and discovered differently. It makes perfect sense that stories would be of great importance.
Also, I didn't think of fundraising as a transaction of give and receive. This was a pleasant eye opener for me.
For me the main risk is how to have access a comminication tools
You are most welcome @TITILOYE
@delise, we are honored to read your response.
I was comforted to know that fundraising is not just about knowing wealthy people, rather that fundraising can start much closer to home. Disproving this myth means that more people now know that fundraising can be done by anyone, regardless of connections.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because when I think of funds I think of cash, I think of cash donations, grants, etc. One question I have about myth 1 is how can you turn am in kind donation that is not valuable into something you can use, whether that adjusting needs or convincing donor for other kind of donation that is usable, which making them feel like you are rejecting what they have to offer.
Thank you for your response. I'm really learning alot. I'm thankful for this course.
I surprised to learn that myth 2: ''Raising money is all about knowing rich people''
I also think about how I can connect to rich people to raise funds and, that is Myth two. It's now clear to me that I can raise funds within my circle.
Given the categories of people or potential donors, I'm able to identify and, who are very close to me, I have learned how donors network Mapping can identify people I could not think of reaching out to help donate to my project if I had not taken this course
This course has been an eye-opener for me so far.
@jacnavo, in the first place it is wrong to turn down a donation which may not seem relevant to your cause. Although not relevant at the time, it may be of use to other causes for which you could also donate to. An outright rejection is, therefore a no go area in fundraising.
@Mamessy, can you please explain that which surprised you about the myth 2.
My pleasure and thank you as well
this myth really caught me off-guard too. I had always thought that I had to be connected to rich persons to get funds for a project
I found this module very interesting and refreshing. Truly, your network can be your networth and one really has to look inward, there are tremendous resources there.
@Facilitator I found that you have a very rich experience in different countries. We do have a very good storytelling course: https://courses.philanthropyu.org/courses/course-v1:PhilanthropyU+Storytelling_000+1_1.37_20191118_20191229/about Feel free to join.
@ChegeSimon @julietmyjewel I hope you have started to reach out to your networks if fundraising is needed for your organizations. That would be a very good experience for fundraising from outsiders at a later stage.
Yes, #2! The exercise demonstrated that we can work out from our networks to generate broader support and hopefully ultimately reach those with greater resources.
Thank you for demystifying the myths
@Nelson, Many thanks for the link to the Story Telling course. In fact, every course I have attended has hinted at the crucial role of story telling in bringing stakeholders on board.
The trouble is, when I'm telling a story I tend to get long winded by adding a lot of foot-notes, so I end up being boring. I therefore need to learn telling a story in a proper way.
In his new memoir, A Promised Land, former President Barack Obama describes how, after delivering one of his early presidential campaign speeches, he asked his top advisors, including Mr. David Axelrod, what they thought. He says they told him bluntly that his speech was ok for facts, figures, and all - only it hasn't won him any votes! So, from that moment, these senior advisors, who were established political consultants with several successful campaigns under their belts, went on to coach their novice charge in the DOs and DONTs of an effective campaign speech - and, as they say, the rest is history.
So, it seems story telling can be tought after all.
Thanks again for encouraging me to take this course.
Very well said @jillwuqu.
You are most welcome @julietmyjewel.
You are most welcome @Facilitator.
I had long believed that the rich do matter in fundraising but honestly this module opened me up to greater analysis and indepth study.
I'm surprising to know the 7 myths for fundraising
I have not been aware of all these myths. But then I always though donors need to know about the organisation inside out so that they can easily chip in to provide whatever kind of assistance. And again I believed Soo much in the power of figures( statistics) in influencing donor decisions. Thanks all these have been clarified articulately
So did I, prior to knowing about the 7 myths @tmadhlayo. I am glad we know better as of now.