My Communities

Myth 1: Fundraising is only about getting cash. I was thinking this perilous way and that's why I could not really embrace fundraising because I was wondering how I could raise money from already vulnerable network.

Thanks Instructor for deconstructing this terrible mindset within me. I now see Fund raising beyond cash to include materials, volunteer and time commitment and more.

The topic was very helpful. I have gained a better understanding about fund raising because of the discussion. For a very long time, I believed mostly on those myths, but now I am somehow enlightened.

I used to think fundraising is only about get money for a organization, but i was completely wrong.

I thought the same way too.

I also thought that raising fund is all about knowing Rich and we'll connected people

I used to think that donors really want to see all the graphs and chart, but in as much as these are good but the success stories are more important

Many of the myths has changed my mind set

Many of the myths has changed my mind set

Yes I was also surprised too, that raising money isn’t about rich people
I now understand better and know that others too can support not necessarily rich

Even me I was so surprised to learn that Myth 2 was just a myth because I believed it was the truth; fundraising to me was always about knowing rich people who matter in the society until I attended this class. Am now enlightened, ready to do better and grateful.

i knew most of the myths but One of them i did not now about which is myth no 4.

interesting module I learned a lot and was aware of some myths but myth number 5 was very interesting to learn about

@Humayun360 said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:

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.

Same with me. very surprised that stories matters a lot. in my previously fundraising activities, i never even included any stories, i thought it was boasting, but now i understand.

It was very important to hear about mith number 6, because sometimes you go with the (internet) flow and forget that all the other work needs to be done. As most of the NGO's don't have the money to invest in fundraising, the internet appears as the savior of the homeland and it is tempting to direct all our action to this medium because it is fast, easy and cheap.

I like the 7 myths and each one has taught me new skills in fundraising. I liked more the point which says that fundraising is not only raising money but in kind donations are also needed

I was aware of most of the myths but I never suspected the magic role of myth 5

I was aware of most of the myths but I never suspected the magic role of myth 5

@Humayun360 said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:

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.

In most cases an organization is mostly attracted to those that are not rich because they are the ones that are closer to you

Myth 7 may be a good one but not surprising as using stories to attract your donor

As an organization we have tried sourcing fund through those that are not rich, we have been sourcing as a team , we are trying the online but using stories to capture donors interest has not been taped. All the 7 myths are well expatiated and well classified.

Myth # 4 surprised me the most. One is always eager to explain our project, but as Tom mentioned: "people like to talk about themselves". It is very enlightening to me and has provided me with a new perspective when approaching donors.

As Tom Wolf mentioned in the Introduction to Fundraising, Module 1, that there are seven myths and changing / transform them into fundraising truths. Truth number one, fundraising is about more than getting cash. Donated items that you need. Donated labour, or in-kind gifts can be of equal value if you can use them. Second, you don't have to know rich people to be an effective fund raiser. Most people start with family or friends. Truth number three, fundraising is a transaction in which both sides receive something. Be sure you're clear about what that something is when you ask for money. Truth number four. Listening to donors is often more important than lecturing them. Everyone likes to talk about themselves. And those personal experiences can be linked to the ask. Truth number five. Stories often matter more than statistics to capture people's attention. Truth number six, fundraising is a team effort and truth number seven, fundraising via the internet still holds many similarities to in person fundraising.

I was very surprised that myth number four was not true because usually one of the main things is to tell donors about your organization.

I have always believed that in fundraising there is always one person who gives and another who receives. But really clarified it makes a lot of sense.

My questions however, is on how to make donors that you are sincerely fundraising for a good community cause and not a money making venture for selfish use. Then what reasons should one have to start a non profit organization?

I can see that the seven keys are very useful in fund raising. I noticed some surprises in the seven myth and that is the use of story .Another one is the issue of win-win where both will receive something. One will expect that the person that receives money only received but now that the funder will receive something , I think something like appreciation letter, visit among others. Please could you buttress what other things the funder can receive..Also. one would realize that receiving kind may be more valuable than the cash itself. When an non profit organization receive kind they will know that you are not particular about money which may erase the fear of embezzlement.Though there are some aspect where money will be needed.You don't need to know the rich people which was a lesson that I have learnt. I started with families and friends. Though , you may not get much but you can do something with whatever you might have gathered rather than waiting for the rich. Once one get started , the rich will work in because they want to know what you are capable of. Yes , listening to the donor because he who pays the pauper dictate the tune. From their conversation, you will know their area of interest. Better still make sure you have find-out about them before the meeting. The seven keys does not rule out statistics but not enough as a criteria. Furthermore, collaboration will actually improve the effort of fundraising where everybody will be on the lookout from different angle. The work of fundraising has somehow made easier with the use of network. Many people will get to know you and your activities without meeting you physically.

4. You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible./listen to the donor's own story. This really surprised me. I spend so much time working to outline and communicate what the exchange is, what we are doing to better the world, and what they will get in exchange for their generosity... it really shifted my thinking to be like- oh right. Donors are humans too. PART of what they are getting is a relationship with me, belonging as a part of the cause, and that starts before a donation is made. Although, I have to say, the example about reading to a donor in the hospital and providing friendship is probably at the extreme end of this spectrum of activity..

Yea I like your description of more people being "on the lookout from different angle"- great way to think about this.

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

Not that surprised, but it's hard to imagine some single handedly raising fund without others assist, resource and commitment. However fund raising is one of the huge event that need individuals to succeed

The myth about knowing rich people only to be able to fundraise effectively surprised me, because i always thought that was a limiting factor in my environment. This course has enlightened me

True. I was thinking the same. i'am really grateful for this Module

True. I was thinking the same. i'am really gratefull for this Module

I always thought I needed some rich people in a camp to organize a fundraising but for now, I don't think so. Every one is a potential person and matters

While I believe that facts and statistics are not everything, and that stories are important, I am wondering what a good or compelling story should look like! Any ideas on characteristics of these kinds of stories?

I think numbers are important but the question here was how to get those numbers. From the donor network map, it looks relatively simpler that these donors start from your family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances, then their friends, coworkers and acquaintances besides those in any other groups you or others may be affiliated to. I personally thought you needed to contact the super human beings that are always loaded but may not even have relationship to you as long as they have the cash. From the map, there seems to be this connection even when it's distant connection you can find

Exactly, Myth number 5 came as a shocker because I had always thought that you have to sell yourself and your organization to the donor, but the reverse is the case. lesson learnt

Exactly, Myth number 5 came as a shocker because I had always thought that you have to sell yourself and your organization to the donor, but the reverse is the case. lesson learnt

@JuniorObonyo said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:

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 most surprised about myth 4, which I was not thinking of in this way. It is important to be conscious of a potential donors interests and sensitivites and not lead discussions always by providing information about ones own organization but finding out about them.

I was most surprised about myth 2 cause I definitely thought of was a fact.

Yeah same here

I must confess that took me off-guard too,

interesting I use to think that more explanations about our work with numbers to donors with new ideas lure them was a sure way for fundraising campaigns but this module enlightened me that stories are far more effective than just repeating our and numbers

I had the same thought too

Having had experience in fundraising, I was already familiar with the seven myths.

Over the years, I have heard and witnessed myth one and myth two debunked several times. However, my question is; why is it that many EDs and development teams appear to know that "fundraising isn't only about getting cash(myth one)" and "raising money isn't all about rich people(myth two)", yet their strategies revert to only increasing cash donations from "rich people"(ie major gift donors)?

Actually all he said didn't just enlighten me but also opened my eyes to the wealth I have around me as family members, friends, acquaintances etc.

I have always thought that the rich never have time for stories but this course just got me to realize that the stories I ignore sometimes could be my cash cow with the donors.

It is very important to break these myths because I thought that all of them where true, Specially the one that for fundraising you had to have rich friends or to know rich people.

Reflecting on the first myth I think we should also notice that money cannot do it all. Money even if available cannot be used in some settings. For example, in field operations you need to have cars, houses available for renting to rent. these items can be good in-kind donations.
About the second myth raising money is not only about knowing rich people but having this network can easily make the difference.

Same here! I now realize the importance of being able to craft compelling stories to appeal to your donors and as a result, I'll be sure to ask my colleagues to document as many interesting case stories with photograph as possible.

I to was surprised to learn these Myths. I did believe the myths to some degree. I am glad to learn that my thinking was off and now I am interested in what the truth of fundraising.

I had always thought that saying all about my organization is vital to a winning proposal. But seems I was wrong.

Through applying the learnings from this course, I believe my success rate would improve.

I had always thought that saying all about my organization is vital to a winning proposal. But seems I was wrong.

Through applying the learnings from this course, I believe my success rate would improve.

Myth number 4 was also the one that surprised me the most, I got it wrong in the diagnostic quiz at the beginning! It was definitely helpful hearing it explained in the way that it was, because I now understand that it's more about being careful not to overwhelm a potential donor with information and statistics but rather to personalize your pitch to them and their interests.

Myth number 4 was also the one that surprised me the most, I got it wrong in the diagnostic quiz at the beginning! It was definitely helpful hearing it explained in the way that it was, because I now understand that it's more about being careful not to overwhelm a potential donor with information and statistics but rather to personalize your pitch to them and their interests.

@MissionaryAkoroMawina-esso said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of 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

Myth number 4 was also the one that surprised me the most, I got it wrong in the diagnostic quiz at the beginning! It was definitely helpful hearing it explained in the way that it was, because I now understand that it's more about being careful not to overwhelm a potential donor with information and statistics but rather to personalize your pitch to them and their interests.

@MissionaryAkoroMawina-esso said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of 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

Myth 4 actually got me, because in my opinion i thought the more someone knows about your organization it motivates him or her to donate.

I learnt a lot!

I agree with these comments. The most enlightening and new aspect for me about fundraising.

Totally agree with these 7 myths. Prior to learning about them, I was totally unaware about the reality points. Most amazing were "not only cash" and "rich people"

I was really surprised about myth number 4, I always thought that to get a donor's funding you should tell them all about the project, but I have now learned the importance of listening and hearing their story too

I was surprised that Myth number 4 is not true because I always felt I had to tell prospective donor lots about my project. Now I am learning that I should listen more to see what they are interested in and how this matches with my project.
I am also surprised about Myth 6 and to see how many aspects need to be taken care of in fundraising. It surely takes a team to work at it. Thanks

Bonsoir / bonjour.. Je suis ravi de partager ce cours avec vous et c'est avec plaisir que j'aimerais échanger avec des personnes qui, passionner de gestion de projet Agiles et Scrum et qui ont des projets de collecte de fonds.

I was surprised that myth #4 is not true. We always tend to talk more about our organizations forgetting to listen to the interests of the donors!

I always believed that one has to know rich people in order to be a successful fundraiser. Most of the non profit sector hirings for Fundraisers are based upon the network of rich people or HNIs they know.

Myth 4 was the most surprising . I have always thought that giving the potential donor as much information about my organization was very important to help donors make informed decisions about whether to fund or not. What do I do if the donor continues to ask for more information about my organization?

I was most surprised to learn that myth 2 was not true because we 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.

Myth 3: One person gives and the other receives, caught me by surprise. I never thought about how we are also giving them something, so it's not a one-sided situation. For example if my organization is selling merchandise, we collect money/donations from that, and each side gets something in return.

In the several literatures I have read, I have known some of these myths but there are different opinions, especially on myth 5, where what I know is not only statistics and facts that can be informed and given to our donors, but examples of building trust with donors also important

I was surprised to the myths number 5, it is not just about statistics, and facts are the only things that matter, but what matter most is how we tell the the stories behind our vision and mission. This will be the powerful too in fundraising.

Myth 4: You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible, was my greatest surprise. I have always thought that I need to tell donors all there's about my work. I'm glad to hear that this isn't necessary. I have to now work on my organization pitch and always read the room and be able to to tell the group what is important in 2 minutes.

I was very suprise about the myths 2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people. I didn't know that the starting point should be our family members, friends and acquitaintance. In addition the myth 3. In fundraising, one person gives and another receives. I used to think that fundraising is only about receiving money and we don't have anything to give, this is wrong of course.

Couldn't agree more, perfectly said you!

The 7 myths was very new to me, didn't deep drive before but these myths opened a window to map donors of course more effectively in future!

I've been obsessed with facts and figures too. I can now decode why I wouldn't make much out of Fundraising if I continue that way

After this module, i have learnt that Success stories are more impactful to donors than statistics and numbers. Thank you Tom

I am surprised by the myth #5, dealing with the advocacy based on statistics and facts. For me it was the starting point.

Myth number 1; which is ''Fundraising is only about getting cash'' has surprised me much. This is because I have already linked the term fund with countable money. However, thanks to this course now I understand fundraising can include in kind donations like materials, and even man power.

Each of the myths were well-explained, but the myth about allowing the potential donor to talk and then relating it to your work as a way to engage was a helpful tip to always keep in mind for fundraising.

About myth 1 I already knew that Fundraising it isn't just about money, but I was surprised to know that in-kind gifts are only valuable if you can use it. One question I have about this is how we say no to a donor when he or she wants to give something we don't need, in order to avoid underestimate the donation?

The myths are interesting and provoked more thougths. I think that the myths depend a bit on what is your target in fundraising. If you aim for a big monetary support, it it good to have contacts also to the rich people / organisations or it is at least a bit easier that way. If you are doing fundraising with the general public and aiming for small individual support but on a vast scale, the target is different.

in Fundraising, one one person give and others receive, I thought as much until I listened carefully as Tom Wolf explained.

myth 1 is not true because some of the projects need more donations in kind and not necessarily cash.

all along i have been wrong with my thoughts on fundraising but this module have open my mind to the truths relating to fundraising, and i must say this the highlight of this module for me

Good afternoon everyone . My name is Olaide from Nigeria. One of the myths that shocked me was number 4 which says you don't have to say so much about your organization to a potential donor but research about them,get to know them and ask questions about them and let your conversations with them lead you to your "Ask". This is because most of the tim e, I find myself talking about what my foundation does and how a potential donor can help. This course has really shaped my thinking about this. Thank you

My question is how do I create genuine and effective conversations that will lead to my Ask at the end of the day?

I love your question..it's true so how do we respond. Let me give you a practical example. Part of what my foundation does is to cater to the Educational needs of the vulnerable children and we normally celebrate them during our Children's day event. This means we will have people bring in kind donations. What you do as a foundation is to receive what is been given first and then when you get to the sorting out stage...you can now sort out things that are not in good condition or can't be used or given out of the good ones. This is because if you refused to collect from the person giving..it might not be good for your organization. You don't know if that is the last thing the person has that he or she just gave you, or may be it's a test or the person might not even check when he or she is giving but just wanted to do something. I hope this helps...thank you

Am quite surprised by myth number 4 but then I realized how I hate, people talking about themselves each time, it irks my body. I have learned a lot from this experience.

i thought like every other thing, the internet will change everything about fundraising. that it will change they way we approach donors, etc.

My question is related to myth 6. I now understand that the group effort is important but do you still need everyone in the group to be a "superstar"? Does each individual need t have a high output to be successful?

I was surprised with myth 1. Fundraising is all about getting cash. And I learned that's it's not about getting cash and objects needed to suit your concern. This i appreciate our mentor.

Before I read the module, I thought when funding we needed to tell the donor everything about the organization but myth 4 was helped explain why it's not a good idea. Another aspect of the module was learning about myth 3 is not a hand out but a transaction between parties and interests of the donation must be stipulated and met.

I got to know about these myths here. This will help me in my proposals really getting to know a donor better to understand what it is I am transacting with them.

Thanks again.

I agree. This myth proved true to the age old adage that people like to talk more about themselves. by allowing people to talk about themselves and discovering what interests a potential donor or donors, and connect your organisation to those interest - really reminded me of the principal of personalisation in Digital Marketing. This really surprised, and delighted me.

I have always believed Myth 2, that Fund raising is all about knowing rich people, and also you have to say as much as possible to potential donors to get support

It was quite refreshing to go through the myths and to understand that not only rich people can be donors, but anyone else can. And that donation is not only about cash and food but time can be considered as one too.

I learned that fundraising starts local, and it has been impressed upon me the importance of being able to tell the stories of those who benefit from our organization's work.

Responsibility of the recipient organisation
Most donors require that the recipient organisation shall ensure that its immediate
partners and further organisations down the line of collaboration abide to the
requirements which the donor demands of the recipient organisation. The same group of
donors also holds the recipient organisation responsible for ensuring that sufficient
systems for management and control exist throughout the line. These are strong
statements which are not always consistently followed through by all donors as we look
into specific conditions further on in this survey, e.g. auditing. The two donors with
very flexible approaches (UK and the Netherlands) are concerned about existence of
control systems only at the time of approving the recipient organisation. However, most
donors are having a common approach for demanding accountability by placing the
demands on the recipient organisation. It seems possible to agree on that it is the
responsibility of the recipient organisation to ensure accountability in the system.

I will admit the ONE myth that caught me off guard a little was myth 2. I appreciate how it was clarified.

Sometimes it is okay to talk less and listen more to our donors

I was most surprised to learn that myth was not true because fund raising needs team work since it requires more attention and hard work for it to succeed.

The myth that surprises me the most is the one that tells that donation is a two way benefit, I always thought it was, as much as the satisfaction of help will count

I learned that support and contribution must not always be in form of cash but also in kinds. it is evident in the explanation of Myth 1

Interesting