My Communities

This one was really helpful to me too. I do tours for donors and sometimes forget to slow down and hear why they are wanting to be connected better.

I thought it was much more important 4. You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible than listening to him. It is true. We are partners. So it is important to know because he feels the need to be part of.

Very true, this is a big lesson I have learned and I can relate it to one of the demands by one of our donors at my work place who emphasizes more of Success stories than statistics. This now resonate well with the myths i have learned

i was surprised by myth 01 about fundraising is all about cash .thank you for the clarification.

two myths that I found interesting are number 2 and 4.

for number 2
I sometimes forget about the idea that everyone can do good. Thus, facilitating them who wanna participate but is limited by one thing or another needs to be our job. By that, everyone could join and our organization will get the benefit also.

number 4
this myth probably will be challenging to do. it needs practice to understand what the donors desire in talking to them, let them be the spotlight, and let them know that they can shine within our campaign.

I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because people engage so differently online. I was also a little surprised by myth 4 because I thought people wanted to know as much as possible about the organization. One question I have about myth 4 is how do we make the informaiton more succinct and meaningful to the donor?

Myth #4 surprised me

I was shocked that myth 1 was not true because everyone always said the goal was to get money

Totally enjoying this course.

**I loved learning about the 7 myths of fundraising and filling out the fundraising map . It was VERY helpful ...........I also agree #3 is overlooked! **

I was most surprised to learn that myth 5 was not true because, I think I've always been more concerned with getting the static and the facts about the stories. I don’t have any question. Thanks for all.

I agree, I feel personally impacted by numbers due to my background- but I heard it described that numbers are mind-boggling, aka hard to understand or grasp the extent of - which makes it harder for donors to connect to.

Agreed, I've learned a lot about the importance of having major donors, but it was nice to hear a source say that the little guys count too!

Agreed, I've learned a lot about the importance of having major donors, but it was nice to hear a source say that the little guys count too!

To a very large extent, the myth apropos telling everything about one's organisation stood out for me. More often than not, the points covered under that myth are overlooked. It requires excellent listening skills.

PS:
The TED Talk by Nancy Duarte is amazing! 👇🏿

The Secret Structure of Great Talks

I really did not believe about myth number 4 because I thought every donor is so care with their money or assets and they want the highest assurance possible to convince them that indeed their donations are for the rightfully intended purpose to achieve satisfaction.

Very well said! I haven't thought that we as fundraisers have to work with various limitations that may stop people from participating in our campaigns. Also agree with a point of practice in terms of communicating with donors in a way to understand their need and address them with our stories. It brings me further to myth 6 — that in order to do so we need to work hard and we need to be "we" as a team.

I was surprised that even though I understand the idea covered by myth 6, I still think about the fundraising process as a solo performance. Although I have had experience with both collective and individual fundraising and I know from that experience that teamwork always leads to better results, I still make the same mistake of thinking that I can do the best all by myself. I guess it is partially connected with the fact that sometimes it is quite hard to assemble a good team. But eventually it will worth it!

Yes Humayun, I also believed so until i took this course

QUITE INSIGHTFUL, MOST ESPECIALLY MYTH NO.2

I really thought that Fundraising was just about knowing rich people and how they can give back

Myth no 6 in our country a lot of organisations when organising Fundraising event tend to use superstars they don't know every player in a Fundraising team matters. So I came to realise Fundraising is a team effort and not an individual effort because you can not handle all the responsibilities on your own.

we were in the same basket while family and friends can be supporters too and play an important role on the process

Iam really amazed by all of the myths.
thank you,Doctor

The muth number 7 was revealing, i thought statistics was more important to donors. I will focus more on success stories, going forward.

In fundraising, one person gives and another receives... this was an eye opener

This make think that the stories really matters and it's important remember that fundraising is a transaction so we have to think about how we share something to donors and not just think about receiving money. For this reason that it is important to always keep in mind how the donor feels personally connected to the cause.

I am surprised about Myths 2 and 4. I also believe that it is important that we also learn how to engage with donors or funders in a way where they will not be uncomfortable. Our proposals speaks for our programs but to create a connection to donors is a game-changer.

If I had listened to this in the morning, it would have surprised me a lot! But I watched a webinar by Arthur C Brooks at Harvard that really got me thinking about how much happiness and satisfaction the DONORS have by supporting your cause. Very insightful!

Myth number 2 remains a big hindrance to my fundraising success. In fact I have always believed the popular phrase "Your Network is Your Networth". I guess the best way to overcome this challenge is networking like crazy which admittedly isn't easy thing but doable.

Fundraising is not just about asking for cash. Some people think that fundraising is just about asking for money, but in reality, it is about building relationships, engaging donors, and communicating the impact of the organization's work.

While raising money is not all about knowing rich people, knowing them could be an asset. What Tom is saying to fundraisers is that we do not have to worry if we do not have wealthy people in our contacts. We can involve family, friends, co-workers or fellow students to get started with our social impact projects. When the success stories of those projects are shared, they will reach high places who will be persuaded to offer their support.

That's great!

I think I have made this mistake several times, believing that to do fundraising it has to literally be "fundraising." Great insights coming from this course already.

Yes, ones mind will want to go after rich people, especially in a poor country
But with this course, one now has a better insight into fundraising

Well Thank you Tom, for explaining all the 7 myths in much detail. Now I have more clarity about the myth 1. Also I have learned a lot in this module. The myth 4 and 5 i will apply most in my organization that will help us in fundraising. Thank you

I was surprised about myth 1, that in fundraising, one person gives and another receives. I was of the impression that the donor gives and the recipient gives nothing in return except perhaps a thank you.

I was also of the impression that the donors get nothing in return except a thank you note. Great to know that the feeling of fulfillment that comes with giving can be considered as a gift to the donor.

Yes indeed it was an eye opener. Always thought giving is one way traffic from the donor to the recipient. My thinking has been changed.

i actually find it hard to believe that the internet has taken over physical interactions on fundraising. My question is, how possible is that

Each and every one of these myths brought something new. Even know I had understood the truths of most, the way it was broken down brings new light. Two myths however stood out to me Myth #3 and Myth #5.
I did always view Fundraising as a transaction but to be able to frame it as both sides receive something from it was eye-opening. When doing an event that makes sense but from an individual donor standpoint it was new.

I also always thought that numbers mattered more and that stories could come second. it will be nice to try putting the stories first.

It has opened my eyes to see that in getting donors, all I need is someone who supports and believe in what I do. From there the cycle will keep growing and growing. The more the better.
Sometimes donations in kind can help you achieve what you want faster than raising the actual cash.

st: I was most surprised to learn that myth 2 was not true because rich people have a lot of money to give but alone with your friends and family you can get to the rich people . One question I have about myth 2 what happens if the closest people dont want to give you money .

Wow!!!

This course is so good!

One thing that got my attention was that there is so much involved in fundraising, so much that it's not a one-man job.

Interestingly, I have also always thought statistics and data was a must, even though they're still important, I'm glad to know they're not compulsorily the only way to pass information.

I was surprised by the reasons behind myth #4, but as you mention, making it a meeting of the minds does make fundraising seem easier!

the internet and rich people

i was surprised to know that fund raising is not only about funds. i had to unlearn and relearn to enable me function properly as supposed.

yes, with the new mindset we can do better and be professional too.

One more think I believe is the powerful for fundraising which is using social media, especial twitter in order to fish hunted donation and funding, most of the senior management in the big organization use twitter as social media.

I was surprised to learn that when making a case to a donor statistics and facts are the only thing that matter.
Myth 5
In proposal writing ,this is something that we always put into consideration and research lots about it. Story telling a core tool is often ignored or poorly delivered. This is a challenge to develop good stories, make sure they are authentic and look at its selling and convincing factors.
A core thing is story telling is an art and one can take the initiative of learning how to do it.
Imagine a story audio visually narrated, short and straight to the point, highlighting the subject matter, what is it returning factor?

Myth #3 surprise me so much because it said fundraising is a transaction which means both of you (fundraiser and donor) receive a gifts, its understandable to me when Tom explained it with example.thank alot I will keep it in mind .

Honestly i was surprised also.

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 also learn something new by this myth

Myth 06: fundraising is a team effort

Exactly, that was what I thought,
Now I understand that a compelling story is more relatable and more successful

I appreciated learning more about myth #2. Creating my own donor map also helped me understand how myth number 2 was really just aa myth. I have a lot of connections

I thought the stories wouldn't always be a plus, but now I understand several UNICEF campaigns that have been successful in getting close to each donor, there is one campaign where they separate donors into a locked box away from what It happens outside, allowing that this leads the donor to meet with himself in the stage of his growth, this allows him to remind them of the key moment in which they felt a need, and when the activity ends they make a commitment to support the cause themselves. root of the senses that have been able to experience

Fantastic topic. I really appreciate this course.

I was very astonished by the myth Raising money is all about knowing rich people. Anyone could be able to a fundraiser.

This was a very informative class, I am a beginner and I learned a lot. Most of the myths I knew, there was one that gave me hope because the specialty that it needs is something that am good at. The story is more important to donors than the numbers

I thought too as well, I was like if you got the numbers then you are good

Indeed, even when I joined the course, I thought thus thing that will be much emphasized but I see it's about a stepwise approach, first your closest people are your number one funders before you reach to rich people

Agree, if donors see how your work aligns with theirs or their values thus a good place to start

Myth 3 struck me too, since I usually thought of fundraising as getting something but not about giving something as well. The opportunity to have an impact in the communities we work with in the organization is also an asset that we provide and acknowledging what we bring to the table is good for our empowerment. This helps us have more leverage at the moment of negotiating, since we are not only receivers, we also give.

4. Vous devez toujours essayer d'en dire autant que possible à un donateur sur votre organisation ou votre projet.
5. Lorsque vous présentez votre cas à un donateur, les statistiques et les faits sont les seules choses qui comptent.

I believe that myth 3 can be quite surprising. When it comes to fundraising, we often think of it as a one-way transaction. This, however, is not the case. While an organization may receive a donation, the donor may also receive something. This could be goods such as t-shirts or mugs, tax write-offs, or even the simple feelings of doing something important.

Sincerely, I'd always thought that it's a matter of being acquainted with wealthy people but now I'm knowledgeable in this aspect. Indeed, this first Module has broadened my reasoning & view about Fundraising generally. I'm greatly impressed & appreciative as well.

I was most surprised to learn that fundraising is beyond knowing rich people

I agree with all the myths mentioned above and I tried to avoid it in my actual work. I follow all the poInts mentioned and give due attention while communicating with donors; I take care of the way I communicate and try to engage them in the work we do and inspire them to keep their commitment in supporting our cause for a long by giving them an insight into the work that we actually do. I have been applying it in my everyday work.

It's really great to learn about it. I has changed my mind..

#4 surprised me - I thought speaking a lot about your org. is effective but it is important to speak to the donor's interests as well.

The two questions I found most helpful in the Podcast were 1) what problem is your organization trying to solve and 2) what can your organization give in exchange for a gift (tangible or intangible).

I think that Fundraising isn,t only know rich people. They are individuals persons working everyday in diferentes companies and They love to donate.

me too. I was a new knowledge for me. Im very Happy.

it was interesting for me that only knowing rich persons. Because I know people who work everyday and They love to be donors.

I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because I did not understand that in kind donations can also be fundraised .

This myths are important. I learnt a lot.

The myth that surprised me the most was the one about not talking about your non-profit so much but to instead ask the donor what interest him.Which makes more sense because the ultimate goal is to render a service that can be of use to someone else not self.

I strongly believed that Statistics were the single most important information that donors needed.

I also believed that donor needed to be informed about everything about the organization and project activities

I agree with the many other commenters that the myth about statistics being the key to fundraising was one I have held for a long time. I always thought that providing a donor with a clear vision of the results and the effectiveness of the organisation will convince them of our trustworthiness and effectiveness in addressing our cause. In the future, I will try to make more emphasis on personal stories and impact on individual lives.

I completely agree, I thought of it as black and white the transaction between donor and recipient. I think making it more colorful and showing the value for both is essential but I think to show the value to the donor you must develop a relationship and research the donor.

The last myth surprised me the mot because there is a certain attitude that is maintained on the internet these days that makes one think that appreciating donors has be do with physical courtesy visits.

I was most surprised about myth 4 because I always think about how important it is to share how you are accomplishing the work. I understand that it may not be necessary to tell the donors as much as possible, but I believe it's important to choose what is most important and share that with them in a detailed way.

I was most surprised to find out that myth number 4 was not true. I believe it is important to share how the work is being accomplished. Therefore, I think it's important to analyze what is most important and carefully present it to donors.

It was surprising for me that we did not need to tell donors as much as possible about ourselves, instead focusing on listening to their personal experiences and tying them up with our fundraising goals.

I was most surprised to find out that myth number 4 was not true. I believe it is important to share how the work is being accomplished. Therefore, I think it's important to analyze what is most important and carefully present it to donors.

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. Was notable as I thought the very nature of transaction to both give and receive. That said I did not think the giver gets as much out of the deal than the recipient, that the giver is doing the recipient a favour, but this course is making me see otherwise.

6. Was notable as as this is standard practice, however the idea that people love to talk about themselves is true, thus it makes sense to listen, and let them speak about how X organisation/cause/person has helped them in whichever way - be that the recipient or benefactor. Also it's a given that people love stories more than formal speeches as to what the organisation and project are about.

It is very educative

Fundraising is very important

Thank you so much

Myth 1, 2 and 4 blew my mind, I always thought that by following those Myths you are sure of successfully raising large sum of money to support your organisation.

All along have been thinking and I knew that when you are making a case to a donar, statistics and facts are the only thing that matter but through this study I learnt that it really the case, there's more to only statistics and facts . Am glad have learnt

Myth no2. Not necessarily surprising, but you sometimes expect people that are doing better financially to donate more, that is why the focus sometimes is on finding rich people, or complaining about the lack of rich people between our acquintances.

Myth no2. Not necessarily surprising, but you sometimes expect people that are doing better financially to donate more, that is why the focus sometimes is on finding rich people, or complaining about the lack of rich people between our acquintances.

Myth 7 really caught my attention. I sincerely thought that the Internet had completely changed the approach to fundraising.

I found the discussion around myth #5 to be very interesting. Organizations that I have worked with in the past have tended to provide an overabundance of statistics and facts to aid in buy-in from potential donors. Learning how to better incorporate those statistics into storytelling is an area of improvement for several organizations that I work with.

One myth that caught my attention was myth 1.

I found it interesting to allow the donor to speak more and the fundraiser to speak less. There's a lot to cover in a lot of organizations. Its better to let the donor talk themselves into why they care.

I was really surprised about the myth that one should give as much information as possible about your project or program. Initially I thought that you should give every single detail of your project in order to generate trust and confidence about the goals, vision and accomplishments. I normally used to prepared talking points, Q&A, briefing documents, etc. Hence, I build my pitch to address the meetings and show my business case and the ways to create value partnerships and alliances. Learning that listening is a best strategy makes a lot of sense since it really helps the counterpart to express their needs, goals and eventually their plan for the partnership. They also could tend to express their individual aspirations and expectations that could lead to a closer and more empathetic conversation. Active and effective listening is clearly a skill that any fundraiser should develop and enhance in order to become more successful in their goals and partnership building.

Completely agree and also surprising. We should become a more active listeners.