Comments on: Watch The Money http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=watch-the-money Fundraising and advocacy strategies. Trends, tips ... with an edge Thu, 24 May 2012 10:11:30 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Dawn http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-13168 Dawn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:43:14 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-13168 II work for a nonprofit and am absolutely with Seth Godin on this one with one qualifier. It's not the amount of the donation that matters - it's participating financially at any level that works for you/your family/your budget. I believe this is an absolute baseline to ever be an effective contributor to the beautiful world of philanthropy. II work for a nonprofit and am absolutely with Seth Godin on this one with one qualifier. It’s not the amount of the donation that matters – it’s participating financially at any level that works for you/your family/your budget. I believe this is an absolute baseline to ever be an effective contributor to the beautiful world of philanthropy.

]]> By: LQ http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12728 LQ Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:35:59 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12728 While I can’t understand not giving at all, certainly we should give whatever we can to the causes that are our own. The “very emotion that they try so hard to sell” is not found in just donating, the emotion we are trying to sell is found in the cause –the real people and animals on the ground that will benefit from the money we raise…the houses we build, the refugees we save, the voters we educate, the candidates we elect, cures we find, rights we extend, and museums or hospitals we build. Lastly, if the emotion we are trying hard to sell is best found “in the trenches” then volunteering should be considered the best way to find the moving language we need to craft the fundraising mail and scripts that will lead to the donors who can afford those big gifts-- giving them. Personally, I believe in putting your believes into action, taking volunteer vacations—going to New Orleans and building houses after Katrina, heading out to primary states and knocking on doors, and participating in walks for the cure. While I can’t understand not giving at all, certainly we should give whatever we can to the causes that are our own. The “very emotion that they try so hard to sell” is not found in just donating, the emotion we are trying to sell is found in the cause –the real people and animals on the ground that will benefit from the money we raise…the houses we build, the refugees we save, the voters we educate, the candidates we elect, cures we find, rights we extend, and museums or hospitals we build. Lastly, if the emotion we are trying hard to sell is best found “in the trenches” then volunteering should be considered the best way to find the moving language we need to craft the fundraising mail and scripts that will lead to the donors who can afford those big gifts– giving them. Personally, I believe in putting your believes into action, taking volunteer vacations—going to New Orleans and building houses after Katrina, heading out to primary states and knocking on doors, and participating in walks for the cure.

]]> By: Marjorie Fine http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12722 Marjorie Fine Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:25:02 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12722 Giving money is just not the same as volunteering. Just ask any non -profit. Both are good but don't for a second think they are the same. And if you don't give something you can't be a good fundraiser. It has to be a stretch for you-not your neighbor-you. Thanks, Margie Giving money is just not the same as volunteering. Just ask any non -profit. Both are good but don’t for a second think they are the same. And if you don’t give something you can’t be a good fundraiser. It has to be a stretch for you-not your neighbor-you. Thanks, Margie

]]> By: Tina Cincotti http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12695 Tina Cincotti Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:31:04 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12695 Volunteering is certainly a strong "statement of belief." At the same time, for anyone personally asking others to give money to an organization, either as a staff person or as a volunteer/board member, the first step is making your own gift. It certainly doesn't have to be a $100 donation. But it should be an amount that feels significant to you. Otherwise, you're asking others to do something that you aren't even willing to do yourself. That doesn't make for a very persuasive pitch. Plus, just being a donor in general makes you a far more effective fundraiser. Volunteering is certainly a strong “statement of belief.” At the same time, for anyone personally asking others to give money to an organization, either as a staff person or as a volunteer/board member, the first step is making your own gift. It certainly doesn’t have to be a $100 donation. But it should be an amount that feels significant to you. Otherwise, you’re asking others to do something that you aren’t even willing to do yourself. That doesn’t make for a very persuasive pitch. Plus, just being a donor in general makes you a far more effective fundraiser.

]]> By: M Walcott http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12662 M Walcott Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:18:41 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12662 Having just capped off our first staff giving campaign in over 5 years (and my first one at the helm), I was not prepared for the number of disgruntled comments coming from mostly junior staff about the notion of giving back to one’s employer, even when it’s a charity we all believe in (right?). Many program staff argued that their extra blood, sweat, and tears they devote to our programs with little (or no) compensation qualifies equally as giving financial support. I’m not so sure I agree with that. What I did learn is this, there are two camps of people working in non-profit – those who truly believe in the mission and the outcomes and will do whatever they can to advance it even at modest means, and those who simply are here because it’s a job. The latter are most likely the ones to jump ship when the waters eventually settle back down too. That’s my two cents. -mw PS…our participation numbers were pretty good all things considered Having just capped off our first staff giving campaign in over 5 years (and my first one at the helm), I was not prepared for the number of disgruntled comments coming from mostly junior staff about the notion of giving back to one’s employer, even when it’s a charity we all believe in (right?).

Many program staff argued that their extra blood, sweat, and tears they devote to our programs with little (or no) compensation qualifies equally as giving financial support. I’m not so sure I agree with that.

What I did learn is this, there are two camps of people working in non-profit – those who truly believe in the mission and the outcomes and will do whatever they can to advance it even at modest means, and those who simply are here because it’s a job. The latter are most likely the ones to jump ship when the waters eventually settle back down too.

That’s my two cents.
-mw

PS…our participation numbers were pretty good all things considered

]]> By: SJ http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12660 SJ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:32:38 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12660 I respect Godin's work, but I didn't feel good reading this post. In fact, I felt angry. Giving $100 to another nonprofit when you're scraping by just to make ends meet on your own--it's simply not feasible. I am a fundraiser and I love my job. I give a tremendous amount of time and a good deal of money to my own nonprofit and I give $20 a year to two other nonprofits. I also volunteer at other nonprofits throughout the year. Perhaps if Seth lived on a nonprofit salary he would think twice before knocking a fundraiser for not giving $100 to another nonprofit. I respect Godin’s work, but I didn’t feel good reading this post. In fact, I felt angry. Giving $100 to another nonprofit when you’re scraping by just to make ends meet on your own–it’s simply not feasible. I am a fundraiser and I love my job. I give a tremendous amount of time and a good deal of money to my own nonprofit and I give $20 a year to two other nonprofits. I also volunteer at other nonprofits throughout the year. Perhaps if Seth lived on a nonprofit salary he would think twice before knocking a fundraiser for not giving $100 to another nonprofit.

]]> By: Kate Mathews http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12658 Kate Mathews Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:18:58 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12658 Tom, I agree with Seth's statement -- I think it is important for anyone who works in the non-profit world to participate in it as fully as they can. Working in the sector is certainly a "statement of belief." Forwarding an email to a friend or tweeting them, or emailing your representative is also a statement of belief. Volunteering or participating in an event (like walking in a Susan G. Komen walk), which is donating your time [which, by the way, has monetary value, particularly if you practice your profession in donating the time]) -- is a statement of belief. Serving on a board -- which often includes donating expertise, time, AND money --- is another "statement of belief." But donating money is still important for anyone working in this sector. Why? Because it gives you "heart" experience, rewarding you for supporting a cause you believe in. AND because, if you are a professional, you gain valuable experience about how organizations you support will treat you. If you like it -- you win all the way around. If you don't like the way you are treated -- acknowledged, asked to participate or donate further -- you have ammunition for how you do your job. And finally, it doesn't matter how much or how little you give -- what's important in this economy, at every level, is that if you work in the nonprofit sector, you support that sector. As a fundraiser, giving today is a statement of belief in the cause you choose to support, but it is also a statement of belief in the professionalism of your colleagues and of the sector you have chosen to work in. Not giving while citing long hours, lower scales of pay, week-ends worked doesn't cut it in my book. In the for-profit sector, lots of people are paid no more than we in the non-profit sector are paid. As non-profit workers, we should be pleased to have jobs we have chosen and accepted, that contribute to the GDP. Why not skip dinner or that cup of coffee out, or whatever small way you can trim, and give money, as well as belief and time? Tom, I agree with Seth’s statement — I think it is important for anyone who works in the non-profit world to participate in it as fully as they can. Working in the sector is certainly a “statement of belief.” Forwarding an email to a friend or tweeting them, or emailing your representative is also a statement of belief. Volunteering or participating in an event (like walking in a Susan G. Komen walk), which is donating your time [which, by the way, has monetary value, particularly if you practice your profession in donating the time]) — is a statement of belief. Serving on a board — which often includes donating expertise, time, AND money — is another “statement of belief.” But donating money is still important for anyone working in this sector. Why? Because it gives you “heart” experience, rewarding you for supporting a cause you believe in. AND because, if you are a professional, you gain valuable experience about how organizations you support will treat you. If you like it — you win all the way around. If you don’t like the way you are treated — acknowledged, asked to participate or donate further — you have ammunition for how you do your job. And finally, it doesn’t matter how much or how little you give — what’s important in this economy, at every level, is that if you work in the nonprofit sector, you support that sector. As a fundraiser, giving today is a statement of belief in the cause you choose to support, but it is also a statement of belief in the professionalism of your colleagues and of the sector you have chosen to work in. Not giving while citing long hours, lower scales of pay, week-ends worked doesn’t cut it in my book. In the for-profit sector, lots of people are paid no more than we in the non-profit sector are paid. As non-profit workers, we should be pleased to have jobs we have chosen and accepted, that contribute to the GDP. Why not skip dinner or that cup of coffee out, or whatever small way you can trim, and give money, as well as belief and time?

]]> By: Kristina Brzezinski http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12657 Kristina Brzezinski Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:02:21 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12657 In addition to seconding Penelope's comment, I must also say that I'm highly doubtful any emotions I will experience by donating a gift, even a substantial gift, could possibly match what I felt while volunteering in Russian orphanages or consulting (pro bono) a new nonprofit on its marketing and fundraising strategies. And while the orphanages and the new nonprofit can definitely use more money, money can't play Uno with kids or develop a sustainable growth strategy. Working for, volunteering with, or donating to a nonprofit are all statements of belief. The key for everyone engaged in the sector is to use their capital (financial, time, skills, etc) to best benefit the nonprofits they support. In addition to seconding Penelope’s comment, I must also say that I’m highly doubtful any emotions I will experience by donating a gift, even a substantial gift, could possibly match what I felt while volunteering in Russian orphanages or consulting (pro bono) a new nonprofit on its marketing and fundraising strategies. And while the orphanages and the new nonprofit can definitely use more money, money can’t play Uno with kids or develop a sustainable growth strategy. Working for, volunteering with, or donating to a nonprofit are all statements of belief. The key for everyone engaged in the sector is to use their capital (financial, time, skills, etc) to best benefit the nonprofits they support.

]]> By: Jon Stahl http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12654 Jon Stahl Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:56:48 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12654 I think Seth massively over-generalizes about nonprofits to seek attention. I think Seth massively over-generalizes about nonprofits to seek attention.

]]> By: Jim Mueller http://www.theagitator.net/dont-miss-these-posts/watch-the-money/comment-page-1/#comment-12653 Jim Mueller Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:50:00 +0000 http://www.theagitator.net/?p=1297#comment-12653 On the surface I agree with rabble-rouser Godin. He consistently provokes us in the right ways. Yet, I think tying working in the sector to giving money to charities is a non-sequitor. Why treat nonprofit professionals different than donors? As a former nonprofit executive, I gave to nonprofits just as any donor would--I was moved and my gifts were appreciated. Obligation is not a motive we expect of any donor, right? We want them to be inspired. And if Mr. G is suggesting that we model giving behavior--I'm not sure nonprofit mangers are the peers of their best donors. Rather they model committment to the mission, which I find far more inspiring to a donor. By the way, would Mr. G expect a similar quid pro quo from for profit professionals about buying products from competitors? Finally, generosity and giving are not always evident in a gift. Generosity and giving are characteristics that extend to family, friends, relatives, the nonprofit we work for... and often, as expressed by Ms. Blackwell, our gift is embedded in a lower salary. On the surface I agree with rabble-rouser Godin. He consistently provokes us in the right ways. Yet, I think tying working in the sector to giving money to charities is a non-sequitor. Why treat nonprofit professionals different than donors? As a former nonprofit executive, I gave to nonprofits just as any donor would–I was moved and my gifts were appreciated. Obligation is not a motive we expect of any donor, right? We want them to be inspired. And if Mr. G is suggesting that we model giving behavior–I’m not sure nonprofit mangers are the peers of their best donors. Rather they model committment to the mission, which I find far more inspiring to a donor. By the way, would Mr. G expect a similar quid pro quo from for profit professionals about buying products from competitors? Finally, generosity and giving are not always evident in a gift. Generosity and giving are characteristics that extend to family, friends, relatives, the nonprofit we work for… and often, as expressed by Ms. Blackwell, our gift is embedded in a lower salary.

]]>