★ Fundraising Architect ★ Copywriting Maestro ★ Donor Myth Buster – working with world-changing non-profits
Yesterday I got a call from a charity for whom I was a SYBUNT (ie. I have given Some Year But Unfortunately Not This year). Let's call them Charity Proactive. The telefundraiser was very nice and asked me for a donation. My husband and I have created our list of intended donations for this year and we have made most of them already. Charity Proactive was not on the list this year. But given I had this nice lady on the phone, I thought, "Oh well, another $50 isn't going to hurt us." We're blessed that the cost of living crisis is not a crisis for us. So I said yes, got out my credit card and donated. So think about it: - I had not planned to give to Charity Proactive this year - but squeaky wheels and all that. - Charity Proactive asked me nicely anyway - people give when you ask them to (at least some of the time). - The problem and solution was outlined on the phone but to be honest, I can't remember much of what the nice lady said. I just know it will help people and help save lives. Donors don't always need tons of info about your evidence-based, innovative approaches in order to give. Ask and some donors will say no. But some will say yes. #fundraising #donors
Absolutely June - and why would we not ask? If we believe in the cause and think the donor might too, who am I to deny an opportunity to advance that together by not making that call!
`So true, a friendly empathetic ask is often key. I've done research around why donors give to causes and often its because they were asked - nicely! We give emotionally and logically. They don't need to happen at the same time. A planned gift as you described is often logical. Emotional giving doesn't need to be about guilt or urgency, it can also be triggered by kindness or friendliness. We are complex humans!
Senior Manager, Philanthropy
9moJune Steward Over 20 years in fundraising and had to Google the acronym! 😆