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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
I definitely find myself sometimes tied up in myth # 4. I just have so many great things to say that I don't want potential new donors to miss out on engaging with the mission or spreading the word to someone in need. I often need to remind myself to talk less and listen more to better tailor my response to their needs.
I will admit the ONE myth that caught me off guard a little was myth 2. I appreciate how it was clarified.
I was also surprised by myth 4. I never thought to see fundraising in the same generalization of capturing the audience attention as capturing their interests. It does make sense to allow donors to voice what they are interested in investing their time, energy, and resources in so that everyone can receive something beneficial in the end.
I was surprised about myth 4 ( You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible) because I felt your donor is supposed to know about your organization and see what you are capable of doing with the money that will be given to your organization eventually
I like the idea of a donation not being one sided. I can give them back something in return for their contribution
.
I was most surprised to learn that Myth 3 was not true because, i have always thought that fundraising was all about the fundraiser receiving from the giver. Never knew, the both parties are at the giving end.
I had a thought before that. in fundraising one gives and receives. this course made me realize its never a case. and in-kind donation is something new i have understand today.
Myth 4 surprised me the most. Initially, I assumed that you have to tell the donor every single bit of information about your organization. I now understand that it is better to provide a forum where I get to listen to the donor so that I can tell my story from their perspective on things that matter to them.
Myth number 3 surprised me the most as it was a shocking revelation that fundraising is a transaction in which both sides receive something.
Myth number 3 surprised me the most as it was a shocking revelation that fundraising is a transaction in which both sides receive something.
Learning that in fundraising both sides are receiving change my perspective about fundraising alot.Thanks to the tutor
Same here
Yes I also support this and learn the more
I's most surprised of truthy of myth 1 because i've thunk that is true. Thanks Tom Loup for most knowledge.
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.