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It's a good experience for me. I've learned many things
I had an understanding that fundraising is not only about getting cash, but I did not expect to hear some of the things that fundraisers could get back to the donors, for instance attention, stories, opportunity to make part of the project.
I was surprised to learn that fundraising is not all about one superstar.
In fund raising one person gives and the other receives is one of the myth that surprised me most until the seven myths are busted, however, I'm glad to know that in fundraising both ends gives.
I realized and strongly agree that we need to let the donor talk and tell them stories, we need to listened. But, i have a question about how to convinced our donor to donate to our beneficiaries without expose their vulnerability?
Hello, I was mostly surprised to lear that fund-raising is not only about money. This is because I shout the word 'fund' is about money
@Mpoki said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:
Hello, I was mostly surprised to learn that fund-raising is not only about money. This is because I thought that the word 'fund' is about money
I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because the fact that internet has facilitated lots of tasks, it still, to my mind, does not replace human endeavor and on-site tasks. One question I have about myth 7 is how will fundraisers trust the fund seekers' credibility without meeting them in person?
I was pretty much aware of the myths listed but one myth that surprised me to some extent was myth number two. I see from the responses that it is this myth which surprised many. Though by experience I know that the poor can at times give more as they give from the heart, the myth that the rich give more pops up in my mind quite often. Thank you for the clearly explained module which took away this myth.
I equally thought the same. This is really an eye opener.
Myth 3 and 4 really got me thinking. My organization hosts an annual partnership event to solicit for support. Over the years we have centered our activities on giving visibility to our projects and programs at the neglect of knowing our partners better.
True "people like to talk more about themselves". This myth has led me to reengineer our annual partnership event. Thank you for sharing
I knew stories were essential, but I didn't imagine they were more than statistics. And it was incredible the step-by-step things to do to fundraise.
Ans, it's good to remember that fundraising is not just about money.
This module was a fair correction of my understanding for the basics of fundraising.
That's good to know @SANGER_SHEKHZADE.
That was exactly how it felt when we came to the realization that stories are highly essential as compared to statistics @MariFischer.
That was exactly how it felt when we came to the realization that stories are highly essential as compared to statistics @MariFischer.
I am glad the module has an impact on you @SANGER_SHEKHZADE.
@ayappiagyei ...I am glad the knowledge of the myths has made an impact on you.
I most surprise of getting know about Myth no 3. In fundraising, one person gives, and another receives. How ever sometimes it matter of reciprocal relationship. The engagement and win-win game play is most important things.
I have a question on myth no 6. Definitely its a team approach. How to build perfect team. As this cross sectional team and all the member's skills and knowledge is not same level. How would we able to meet one common proposal.
I am also echoing you. How we could be present's community resource in to fund.
very interesting
I was surprised that fully informing donors about your organization is not that important. I was not considering the flip-side, inquiring about the donor.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 4 was not true because i always thought that the more i say about my organization and the project at hand the more emotionally drawn the donor would feel to support the project.
Listening to the donor and noting their interest is far more important.
I was most surprised that myth 4 was not true. I have always thought that telling a prospective donor everything about my organization and its project will emotionally draw them to supporting. Dr. TOM WOLF has debunked that myth so now i need to listen more to prospective donor talk about their interest and this will enable identify what they are really passionate about.
One myth of fundraising that stood out to me is that in order to succeed, you always need to meet and know rich donors. In my experience, I've found that this is so often not the case. I've hosted fundraising events in incredibly affluent areas with poor results, and had some of my most successful events in areas where the potential donors had a lot less to offer but recognized the impact their dollars had, and gave out of generous hearts.
Thank you Tom Wolf, for this module, I now have a better understanding of myths 3 & 4. I was surprise to know that giving in fundraising is not a one person gives and another receives. You should not always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible. This is helpful.
Hi @msaleem
I also had the same view. but now I know better.
kind regards.
Myth n07.
I undesrtand that the fundamentals of fundraising have not changed with the development of internet. However the way to fundraise has to be adapted to the social networks.
Stories have to be told a different way on internet than in meeting / presentation.
Yeah. More like Copywriting.
This session was so helpful and I appreciate it so much - Afrika
It was interesting to learn about the different components of fundraising and how an entire fundraising team is required to cover all these components. For example, one does not usually look at budgeting, record-keeping and reporting as being part of the fundraising process. This is very enlightening.
Yeah! This really caught my attention a lot and has change my mentality about what the donor wants to hear sometimes
I consider to be of significant importance the advice about "listening to the donor" rather than tell everything about one's initiative to convince the interlocutor.
I was in the same position, thinking I had to have big contacts to do fundraising.
I was in the same position, thinking I had to have big contacts to do fundraising.
It was surprising but it is fact
Yes many confusion are going back will studying this module
I was surprised with the myth 3. In fundraising, one person gives and another receives. But its is good to know these rules for the successfulness of any organization,thanks for your knowledge.
I was surprised about stories being more important than numbers because most philanthropic organizations require a lot of numbers to support their own gifting efforts. But now I know people prefer stories though numbers
"You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible." It always thought that donos/potential donors would like to know as much as possible about the project or the institution they are giving their money to. But It makes sense that people usually like to talk about their own interests.
Also, thats a good way to keep the potential donor interested in the conversation. Showing numbers and statistics sound like a way to loose their attention and interest.
I sincerely thought it was more important to tell the donor about the project and statistical info. Being an emotional person (an artist and singer), I've believed in sharing the inspiring stories, but got swayed for a while by so called "professionals" trying to make it look like it's only about "numbers" and not real human impact. This was refreshing and it helps me reaffirm my beliefs on this.
I liked this one a lot and it reminded me of "friendraiser" vs "fundraiser".
I really enjoyed the information, explanation on each of 7 myths are very interesting. I specially like how donors also get to participate in an organisation which is doing something for the world where donor wants to be the part of.
I knew the myths from previous readings, myth three stands out to me. I have a small, monthly donation to Doctors Without Borders. They send out a monthly mass-mailing with a thank you, how donors help, and a request for more money that's at least half the mailing. It feels I give they receive transactional. I don't want them to waste my small donation on the work required to make me feel it's a personal note rather than a mass-mailing, so I'm not complaining, but I just recycle their mailings because it diminishes my sense of doing the right thing to an obligation.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 6 was not true because I haven't realized how much more there is to findraising. One question I have about myth 6 is how to get everyone in the team on the same page .
Yeah me too. Now I appreciate that I don't have to know the rich people, I can start with the people I know and broaden it from there.
Myth 4 stood out to me. I honestly was of the notion that donors should be given as much information as possible about your organization so they are aware about what you do, why you do it and so they feel as if they they are a member of the organization, hence, making it easy to donate and question the project where need be.
I've seen a lot of comments about the importance of stories vs. facts - that really jumped out to me as well. It's such a good reminder. The idea that we are motivated and inspired by stories more than anything else - maybe because we see ourselves reflected - and it's interesting to think about raising money and cultivating donors through a lense of storytelling. It definitely changes the approach, and it also feels more fun.
I have been surprised by myth 4, that in fundraising you should tell the donor as much about your organization as possible in order to get more funding. Truly, if i were to write a grant proposal before this course i would have blundered. Now I know i need to know what the donor is interested in and direct the conversation in that direction.
I have been surprised by myth 4, that in fundraising you should tell the donor as much about your organization as possible in order to get more funding. Truly, if i were to write a grant proposal before this course i would have blundered. Now I know i need to know what the donor is interested in and direct the conversation in that direction.
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
Generally, I have realized that financial and non-financial support is critical. All this start before an organization starts to operate. For instance, your pre-operational and immediate post-formation boards of directors volunteer their time and services. In addition, most of the initial organization staff like the Executive Director volunteers time and resources towards actualizing the boards dream.
I come out of this with a lesson on the communal nature of fundraising. It is evident that an Executive Director is the 'de facto' fundraising superstar while staff, beneficiaries, and board wait patiently to consume. Everything is new here, I mean I am a better person at fundraising and I see a lot of opportunities around me. I must confess, that knowing the rich isn't everything, yet valuable.
Very informative, you see the present near possibilities. I call it starting from the near fruits.
Much of what was discussed in the podcast was already known to me. However, the discussion did clarify areas where before I was not clear about, such as "not telling the donor as much about your org as possible but instead letting the donor do most of the talking," and then using this to gain information and use this information later on in your working relationship.
Well said! Yes, knowing wealthy people, while helpful in fundraising, is not the be all end all of fundraising. There are many nuances with the work of fundraising, as you point out in your post.
Thanks and good luck with your work!
I consider that the 7 myths are true, most of us have a wrong knowledge about fundraising. It is necessary to clearly understand what fundraising is. Starting from these myths gives a starting point to understand clearly about fundraising.
I enjoyed the course
Fundraising is all about getting money. Without money nothing can be done. I totally agree that you need to know how to sell your product to the relevant donors.
All of these myths make sense. Coming in with a bit more experience, I wasn't surprised. If I would have taken this course as a new fundraiser, I would have been surprised about the "one person gives and another receives". Fundraising can seem very transactional to the common eye. In realization, I have gotten so much from my donors over the years.
I got surprised with the myth number 02 that fund raising is all about knowing rich people. It was quite enlightening
Big Learning on several point, for example myth one
hope to learn in coming lessons
Great learning
I felt very connected to myth #4- this was a great reminder and explanation of how to go about listening to find common points and steer the conversation with potential donors. I also find it helpful to research- especially for larger donors- to see what their 5 or 10 year strategic plan or objectives are. This gives me a better idea of key words and directions to take our conversation. Also, I understand better why I am so exhausted these days after reviewing all my tasks mentioned in myths 6 and 7... as a new employee to our organization without a clear-cut fundraising plan (yet), I do feel I am doing many of these tasks on my own. This was a nice reminder that that is not how it is supposed to be and has given me some ideas as to how to move forward with bringing some colleagues on board and delegating some tasks. Great module, thank you.
I was most surprised ot learn about myth 7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising. We have only been fundraising since the internet and most of our funds are through internet donations, but learning this myth helped us to think about ways that we can fundraise in person.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 4 was not true. In my previous non-profit work, I was made to believe that the potential donors MUST know everything about our organization. I was enlightened by this module that donors like to talk about themselves. And just like any partnership, I must learn about the donor by letting them talk about themselves or finding out about them beforehand.
I dont really expected most of these seven myths of fundraising, especially number 3.
It happened to me as well. Its all about what you can offer to the donor.
I was surprised myth 7 was not true because I thought the internet had changed how fundraising is done.
Myth number 3. You always think the donor does not need anything from you.
Myth 2 surprised me the most because I always believed it was all about who you knew. One question I have about myth 2 is does it help knowing at least some rich people?
I have always believed that while developing a fundraising agenda, tell the donor all about the organisation and the project. Taking this course has elightened that 'just tell the donor what exactly concerns them and beef itb rraly with succes stories about the project and the justification on why they need to invest in course.
Myth 5 stood out for me the most. I have always focused on data for my pitch to fundraisers but myth # 5 being busted changed my approach.
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.
I was intrigued to learn that it isn't always the best strategy to tell a potential donor as much as possible about the organization or project. I see that it makes sense to encourage her/him to talk about what interests her/him, providing an opportunity to learn more about what moves this person to give.
I would agree. I have always felt like donors wanted to hear many specifics on numbers, whether financial or otherwise.
I would agree. I have always felt like donors wanted to hear many specifics on numbers, whether financial or otherwise.
I was surprised when I learnt that myth no 4 is not true because I have always thought that it is important to give a potential donor ALL the information available so as to help them make better decisions. However, I learnt that information provided can be customized from donor to donor depending on their interests.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 4 was not true because I always thought to convince the donors I need to tell them more of what we are doing than them speaking
I feel the same way too
I believed in myth 2, Fundraising only know rich people, not another people
Myth 4. Thought letting the donor know everything about the charity would be a selling point.
Myth 2 got me thinking...although I didn't believe you HAD to know rich people, I also didn't realize how connected I was until I started thinking about it.
i also was suprised to see that for fundraising its not all about cash and that where we all go wrong .One can ask for something which will help them achieve in there mission and vison.
Wow! I have always believed that fundraising is all about getting cash. Knowing that this is a myth, leaves me humble, to say the least.
Hello, I used thick 4th myth is true but it is wrong.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 6 was not true because I have been working solo building this foundation and very much feel like a superstar at times. But I am currently at a phase were I know a team of active participants are necessary if this will become a bonafide business. If I intend to continue this business and not experience burnout, a team is essential to avoid dissolution and experience growth.
No , I got a new knowledge and everything was self explanatory.
I was most surprised to learn that myth 3 was not true because I never really considered the often intangible things a donor receives from the experience of donating and association with a cause she finds worthy. One question I have about myth 5 is how can I determine the best balance between compelling stories and statistics?
The 7 Myths of Fundraising is a great introduction to fundraising. I have been in development/data entry for almost two years now and this course has really allowed me to see fundraising from a whole new prospective.
I found it very interesting that most donors weren't just swayed by facts and statistics. That's just the way I think. I guess it does make sense though because everyone's favourite topic of conversation usually themselves.
Same here, I thought the more you know rich people the easy and successful fundraising activities
Module 2 in Fundraising is much improved
I had known a few people who work for or own rather large and successful non-profits and the entire concept of fund-raising seemed mysterious and/or a tinge sleazy; but after getting what I'm sure is a very high level view of the core concepts from this course, I can see a much more detailed silhouette finally coming into view. Very exciting, can't wait to learn more.
I was truly surprised about myth number 4, I was sure that it needed to tell donors everything what happened to your project.
I agree you would think telling people more about your organization would be helpful but also you do not want the conversation to get boring I understand why less is more and why listening to the donor talk about themselves is important you are gathering information on the donor to focus on what interests them about helping the organization.
Up until now I was focused on telling the complete story of the organisation. This section helped me debunk this myth.
All along I thought I knew that donors are rich people who have surplus money to donate!