My Communities

Myth 1 surprised me as i thought the prime purpose is to get funds and now when you tell me that Fundraising is not getting money am mesmerized.

How can the community around you help in fundraising.

The myth that surprised me the most was number 3, as I hadn't thought before what do I give to donors in a fundraising transaction. It is really nice to think what tangible and intangible things I give to donors, so that I can approach better to them when needed.

@shivanithapliyal18 said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .
I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because, we live in the era of finding and raising funds via the internet. I feel, the internet may intimidate some NGO to go away from contemporary principles of raising funds that works by attempting to please and impress various donors in new approaches. One question I have about myth 3 is what are some examples that a small NGO organization can offer to donors? As some donors just feel, you need them more than they need you?

Myth 4.
We should listen to the donor but also them about the organization or project as much as possible so that they can connect with the organization and see the efforts they had made.

I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because, we live in the era of finding and raising funds via the internet. I feel, the internet may intimidate some NGO to go away from contemporary principles of raising funds that works by attempting to please and impress various donors in new approaches. One question I have about myth 3 is what are some examples that a small NGO organization can offer to donors? As some donors just feel, you need them more than they need you?

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

Great lecture.

I actually agreed with myth Number 4 but was surprise about Tom opinion about it. I believe trying to tell a donor as much about your organisation or project will actually give them insight about what you do or about the project you want to carry out.

Telling them about the project may even give them idea of how to render assistance to you

I was surprised as well. I honestly thought that telling them as much as possible would be beneficial. But connecting the donor's life and interests with the organization seems like a better but harder task. Good thing Philanthropy University also has courses on strategies for fundraisers and getting donors. I think I'm going to need them.

This course has brought a lot of information especially myth number 2 that its not only the rich who should be targeted for fundraising. This will help me in conducting meaningful fundraising by appreciating little contributors for our organization

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.
   Y

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .

I really like when he talked about the donation, for the past 5 years in the company I worked for in kind donation amounted to over 85% of locally based funds...

Although subtly, I think this session deals a lot with how good we are at bonding and grooming a relationship because we will deal alot with our immediate contacts

I totally agree with the third Myth✔

I particularly liked the point that it is not about my project that matters most, but also about the potential donor's perspective. That while I tell the story about my project, I must also do it in a way that makes the donor identify any fit with my organisation, and how funding my organisation will help the potential donor realise their goals. I realise the truth in this as it emphasises that normally, people invest their resources (time and money and thoughts) for a return, but the return is not always monetary.

The important lesson here is that while I am talking about my story, it must also focus on encouraging the potential donors to talk more about themselves, which will further help me to sharpen my pitch by making it more responsive to the potential donor's expected returns.

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

Fundraising is only about getting cash.
Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
In fundraising, one person gives and another receives.
You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible.
When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Fundraising is only about getting cash.
When I first started doing humanitarian work, I didn't have access to money of my own for purposes of donating. So I used my social networks to fundraise enough each time I went to the villages to buy or bring what was needed for that very day. Sometimes it was only enough to buy a few pairs of pants for the kids and sometimes an acquaintance or friend was able to give me a big bag of rice or a pack of diapers etc... But, every time I went out I had something personally donated by a community member or friend. Donations are donations, be it cash, time or objects donated.

Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
It definitely helps, but isn't always the key to raising funds. Sometimes the rich are the most guarded when it comes to giving. Sometimes those with nothing tend to give more.

In fundraising, one person gives and another receives.
In my mind even the person giving is receiving. For instance, I don't have much to give monetarily but I give my time and my connections to be able to help others. This to me is receiving the biggest gift of all. Seeing a smile on the face of someone who has benefited from my help is me also receiving. Both the donor and the person receiving are "receiving"

You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible.
From what I remember in the last course I took with Philanthropy University, one of the points when going for the Ask was that you should try to talk about the donors not your organization. Be sure to explain your organization but don't speak the entire time on this, speak of the donor and their involvement in charitable giving or something that you have already researched about the donor. Something that is of interest to them. They will see that you are prepared and will be impressed that you can speak to their interests.

When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
I believe personal stories will work better, giving someone something to relate to or see as a need through your personal experience or direct contact with the person or organization needing the help will be more of a draw than a statistic or a fact that can be directly accessed by the donor on their own time.

A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
The fundraiser or organization is only a good as the team who keeps it functioning. Yes, a strong leader who is organized and acts as a great team leader is important, but the team who makes all that the leader does happen is equally important if not more. Numerous hands are better than one.

The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.
This is true, as it is now much easier to access help and your reach can get a lot further with social media and email capabilities, but I also believe it is important to reach out to potential donors via letters and personal visits too. I imagine you will get more of a response this way and it will enable us to keep the human contact in place that has been forever lost in the days of Social Media and the Internet.

I really would love to know more about how I can develope the Myth number 4, usually, when you are studying, theory said that you should show people your own project, with a lot of details, I want to know how to develope that Connection, It isn´t a really easy thing to do, this podcast is really interesting, I started to think more about a funraising network and not about me getting a lot of support for people who need it.

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

commonly

Am intrigued to have learned all about the 7 myth of fundraising... However,Myth 4 & 5 at some point or should I say it depends on the donor... Some don't even have the time for fundraiser to table out all about the organizations and the statistical record they just need a concise discussion with the fundraiser... Bet some of them don't have the time for long conversation and have some many works to tend to....

I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because I see the internet have to be an element of fundraising. But I have one question about myth 7 is which things internet gives on fundraising.

The myth that most surprised me is also #4. I always believed that the more information that you could provide to a donor the better, now I realise that contextual information, and active listening will also be a great help!

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .

Myth 4 really stood out for me for years I have always thought You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible. But now I am seeing it in a new light

I was reminded that soliciting for funds for a cause is similar to pitching a startup- it's the story that connects, rather than the statistics. I must say that I needed reminding though!

Now I'll set about amending my pitches to reflect the paradigm correction.

Hello , i agree that succes story of beneficiaries is one of the best way to show what's you doing . The impact of your project .

I always thought fundraising was all about myth 2, which is "Raising money is all about knowing rich people." During my assessment I saw I actually had quite a number of human resources i could leverage on, from family, friends and colleagues.

Hi all,
I love a good story but do think that they need to be dealt with carefully as too many glowing stories could diminish the perception of validity. also - just as in stats stories can also be manipulated - I think an important element is corroboration - in the story Dr Wolff gave the video was further backed up by an appearance of the individual - in these super cynical times i feel this is important. Another aspect that i am worried about is that we are starting out so stories are not yet available.
In terms of the validity of stats most stats quoted should have links back to the original data - from there you can often even glean other 'facts' that are related.

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

I was most surprised to learn that myth 3 was not true because I always think it is give and receive transaction. One question I have about myth 4 is what about funders/donors that do not talk much? How do one anchor such a discussion/conversation? should one just go on to talk about the "cause" and other necessary information?

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

Hi all,
I love a good story but do think that they need to be dealt with carefully as too many glowing stories could diminish the perception of validity. also - just as in stats stories can also be manipulated - I think an important element is corroboration - in the story Dr Wolff gave the video was further backed up by an appearance of the individual - in these super cynical times i feel this is important. Another aspect that i am worried about is that we are starting out so stories are not yet available.
In terms of the validity of stats most stats quoted should have links back to the original data - from there you can often even glean other 'facts' that are related.

Even when starting out, there is/are other existing similar project and there would be success stories from those project.You just need to dig and research more to get those touching stories that are engaging and attracting.

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

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .

Myth 4 really stood out for me for years I have always thought You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible. But now I am seeing it in a new light

what about donors that do not talk much, you will still need to talk and convince them. Basically, the point I got from this myth is to allow the donor to react to your initial introduction of your cause, then try to lead a little and allow them to express their perceptions and perspectives about your cause, which is how you will get the hint on where to link their thoughts to your cause. Remember, you are trying to offer them partnership, so that they can belong to something special in this world.

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

@shivanithapliyal18 said in Module 1 Discussion: The 7 Myths of Fundraising:

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .
I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because, we live in the era of finding and raising funds via the internet. I feel, the internet may intimidate some NGO to go away from contemporary principles of raising funds that works by attempting to please and impress various donors in new approaches. One question I have about myth 3 is what are some examples that a small NGO organization can offer to donors? As some donors just feel, you need them more than they need you?

Myth 4.
We should listen to the donor but also them about the organization or project as much as possible so that they can connect with the organization and see the efforts they had made.

examples of what a small NGO organization can offer to a donor is those invaluable and intangible gift of belonging or being part of a cause for good, a cause that is very impactful. The donors definitely do not need gratification in terms of money or gifts. They want acknowledgement of their participation and support towards a project that has changed lives of people. You can acknowledge them by giving vote of thanks on your website, publication etc. Just give them a forum that will acknowledge their support and let the forum have a lot of audience.

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

I totally agree with point 6: A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.

What happens if you are the only one in an organisation and so you are solely responsible for fundraising efforts?

I believe you can't stop fundraising as an individual but you must be open to allow others assist you until you put together your team

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

I totally agree that success stories are far better and more important than statistics, for statistics can easily be manipulated. What would be the best way though to ensure that the statistics provided are always credible?

It is difficult to judge the credibility of statistics and therefore success stories are necessary and sufficient.

I was surprised to learn myth 4, because in my view to solicit money for a good cause its important to be as transparent as possible. This is still true but I have learnt that you don't need to bombard people with information, especially if it is not relevant to them. As with any sales technique you just need to tailor the angle to win their support. If this is done ethically, with no lying, then I suppose this is OK. Also, I would never deliberately withhold information if asked, so I think this mythbusting can be a little confusing. So long as fundraisers realise the point in this is to not be disingenuous then I agree.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

Myth 4
You should always try to tell a donor as much about your organization or project as possible.

I thought that in fund raising, saying much about my organization and selling the project as mucg=h as possible to them will make them fund my project, but I realize that it is more than that. As much as I need facts and figures, they donor needs to hear more of his interest on the project

My subtke question is this, Do all the donor really listen to all the facts and possibly look out for their interest?

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

I was surprised to learn myth 4, because in my view to solicit money for a good cause its important to be as transparent as possible. This is still true but I have learnt that you don't need to bombard people with information, especially if it is not relevant to them. As with any sales technique you just need to tailor the angle to win their support. If this is done ethically, with no lying, then I suppose this is OK. Also, I would never deliberately withhold information if asked, so I think this mythbusting can be a little confusing. So long as fundraisers realise the point in this is to not be disingenuous then I agree.

yes as we have learnt you can put all the information online and update as often as possible and it does not negate the original form of fundraising. verifiable proofs and information when uploaded can get a donor attracted to you. There is really no need to lie about anything. Nice myth debunking

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

In this module, Tom Wolf introduced seven commonly believed but mistaken myths of fundraising. Which myth surprised you the most? Do you have any questions about any of the myths? Post your comments below! If someone has already mentioned the myth that you were thinking about, respond to their post.

In case you have forgotten, here are Tom's 7 myths of fundraising:

1. Fundraising is only about getting cash.
2. Raising money is all about knowing rich people.
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. When you're making your case to a donor, statistics and facts are the only things that matter.
6. A great fundraiser is an individual superstar.
7. The Internet has completely changed how we do fundraising.

Example post: I was most surprised to learn that myth 1 was not true because ______________. One question I have about myth 1 is ___________ .

I was mind blown with the myth number 3, because this is how you have to approach to a prospected donor, just knowing that you are going to work as a partnership for a cause (Donor and Organization) is giving a high value of the donation that the donor is giving

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

I was most surprised to learn that myth 7 was not true because was told about internet seaching succes stories. One question I have is How I do aproach donnors in other countries for fundraising as in person frundaising strategies?

Hello,
has anyone done the assignments?

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

I was really shocked about myth number 4 because I thought that most donors will like like to know all about the organization they are donating to.

I was shocked like you, with myth #4. But that made me think more deeply. I think fundraising is all about and giving and understanding that person your trying to help. I realized even the person that has money needs to be understood and heard. This myth woke me up, that no matter how much you have, you still need to be heard, felt and given something even if it was just listening. So, in the end we are all human and we all are missing something in our lives.
Lets give always to everyone, with love.

Hi,
@RMG75 @nadzphiri @gazelle @nikeadesina @Nai @BAHARANYI @Oluwatoseen @johntosin92 @Sarah_Kachimfya @DrOse @petersome, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

What myth surprised you the most? Do you have experience with some of these fundraising myths?”

Kindly share with us..

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us @nioleberna @obajudah2014 @Ricky_Andujar @NinahWakesho @Starlex @OHMS @NataliaPelaez @Gait_Africa @edwinfndz.

What myth surprised you the most? Do you have experience with some of these fundraising myths?”

Let's hear your views please.

Hi @Mbarya @Rabiro @Raheematlight @EKUA @Marcela_Gonzalez @JpedroH @ABOD @croach
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
What myth surprised you the most? Do you have experience with some of these fundraising myths?”

Let's hear your view ok.

@Joewilz @purechild @Cisco @J_adaku @EmmaCampbell @DrTolulopeJayeoba @adaezeochi @Vince23 @GeorgiePerry @Chysquare @1capaez @Clarem @Maverick @Malakalreyati, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

What myth surprised you the most?
Do you have experience with some of these fundraising myths?”

Pls share with us ok!!

Hello learners,

As the course is coming to an end, I charge us to be conscious of the Important Notes/Deadlines Before This Course Ends! And do the needful via https://community.philanthropyu.org/discussions/topic/3480/important-notes-deadlines-before-this-course-ends

Point 1 really caught my attention because most people think fundraising is all about cash. I was like that at some point to.

Well for me point no 1 stood out more because I use to be a victim but now I know better.😊

Yes, I've also been told to try to talk as much about the organization and the cause the organization supports and was very much surprised. It makes so much sense though, to connect with donors where they're at instead of lecturing with numbers and statistics. This is extremely helpful information!

Hallow
I have been trying to get assignments from peers so that I can review them without success. How can I access them?

i thought raising money is all about the rich people i know , one question i have about myth 2 is how do i convince all these people close to me to buy into what i need to do with the funds where they are not interested?

I also agree with Tom seven myths of fundraising. its improve my fundraising skills and knowledge

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

Point 1 really caught my attention because most people think fundraising is all about cash. I was like that at some point to.

@Joewilz, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
I believe and have confidence that with this new knowledge and skill acquired, you will set precepts too and impact on others positively.

Can continue by encouraging and referring others to acquire this knowledge too with us.
Congratulations in advance!

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

Yes, I've also been told to try to talk as much about the organization and the cause the organization supports and was very much surprised. It makes so much sense though, to connect with donors where they're at instead of lecturing with numbers and statistics. This is extremely helpful information!

@evpallasigue, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
I believe and have confidence that with this new knowledge and skill acquired, you will set precepts too and impact on others positively.

Can continue by encouraging and referring others to acquire this knowledge too with us.

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

Hallow
I have been trying to get assignments from peers so that I can review them without success. How can I access them?

@Mbarya, this is because all peer assignments are time bound. You indeed were trying to do so within elapsed time.
Moreover, the course has been closed.

Sorry for that ok. Can entrol for the course subsequently we commence enrolment OK. Looking forth to seeing you next session.

Thanks for your understanding.

Good day sir, I did my assignment before due time .but no peer assessment showed up for me to assess as to complete my module two for grading.And now the course is over,how do you grade my module two so that I get my total score

I was surprised by myth two because i thought its only rich people who can give donations.

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

I was surprised by myth two because i thought its only rich people who can give donations.

GLAD YOU REALIZED OTHERWISE