Fundraising Blues
I have always been one of those people who hates receiving letters from my friends or family that ask for money. Generally the people are raising money for something worthwhile like a mission trip or a charity they work for, but being asked to give to those things has always made me feel uncomfortable. I don’t think it’s only pertained to those types of giving though, I hate being solicited period. One of my least favorite things to do is to walk around the mall lately, because there are crazy people that work in the little booths trying to straighten my hair or give me a massage every time I try to walk past a store. I would rather just be left alone and to not be bothered or asked to participate in any experience that they want me to participate in. No hair straightening, no purchasing of a cell phone, no slowing down my shopping!
I also never want to answer the door when a little kid comes to the door to sell candy. This is the one that always gets me though, because I will buy the candy from the kid who is selling for his team or church or whatever. I have a hard time turning down someone who is under 10, especially when they say something that is overly-rehearsed and their parent is standing 15 feet behind them in the street for moral (or sometimes forceful) support. Plus, I like candy, especially America’s Finest Chocolate, so I don’t really mind buying a candy bar from them. Maybe part of the reason I don’t mind this much is because I sold candy as a kid for softball and Drill Team and those types of things. I guess I see the kid and feel some sort of bond with them because I’ve been there too.
I honestly care, a whole, whole lot, about missions and organizations and what they do. I am passionate about helping people in different ways and when it comes to volunteering or working for something, I’m all for it. I just don’t like being asked for money. I don’t necessarily feel like I need a lot of money, and if I know someone needed something I really don’t think I would hesitate to offer it to them, but there is something about being asked that bothers me. So, does this make me a bad, selfish person? Some people don’t seem to mind being solicited at all. They don’t feel the need to shy away or avoid the situation. They simply hear the person out and then give an answer, yes or no, to the request. Some people aren’t immediately turned off by the fact that someone wants something from them. It’s such a silly thing really, for me to be so completely uncomfortable and opposed to interacting with someone who wants something from me. What’s the big deal anyway? I can always say no. And maybe, just maybe, it will be something I’m actually interested in helping with, but if my initial reaction is negative without hearing them out then I’ll never know.
This is all very interesting really, since I am a Fundraising Coordinator, and every fall my job is to encourage parents and runners to go out and do the exact thing that I despise. I want them to go out and ask people for money so that their kids can continue to come to school, and so that me and my coworkers will continue to get paid. I give them ideas on how to write a good letter, creative ways to raise money, how to ask a small business, how to ask a big corporation, how to think outside the box, how to use Facebook and other social media to help with their campaign, etc. Being stretched so beyond my comfort zone makes me feel a little big like God might be trying to teach me something. Maybe someday down the road I’ll need to know how to fundraise, or maybe he just wants me to have a different heart for giving. I don’t know. Either way, for the time being this is where I am and I’m going to try to do a good job. I guess I just have to hope that the people they ask aren’t too much like me. I guess we do have one thing on our side, I don’t think I could even say no to this face:
Molly,
Very honest blog! I have been a fundraising consultant for almost a decade, and have talked to many people who, like yourself, are in a position as a coordinator, but feel a little uncomfortable about the “ask”, so I want you to know – you are not alone! Furthermore, I am sure that in today’s very challenging economic environment, this sentiment will become increasingly common. Also, I believe it will be increasingly difficult to engage the “united way size donations” that fuel traditional pledge driven events, because most of those types of donors are feeling the pinch – I spent the first eight years of my consulting in that arena, so I should know. However, I am now with a new company, and we have developed an interesting twist on fundraising – especially appropriate for schools. Take a look at the website, and send me an email if you would like to discuss it. I hope all goes well for you as you lead at your school.
Steve Boyett
Thanks Steve, I will check it out. New spins are always helpful and encouraging.
Great post, Molly. I know how you feel, I am the exact same way.. except for with World’s Finest Chocolate.. the one with almonds
Molly… not sure what progress you’ve made on your fundraising dilemma but thought I’d share an idea. I’m not in the fundraising business…actually we make specialty picture frames. As it turns out, one of our customers (an elementary school) has been buying “Santa & Me” frames from us for the past 3 years. They’ve worked out a pretty simple program where they shoot their own pictures of the kids with Santa, process locally at Costco, then insert photos into the frames and distribute back in the classrooms. I was curious about how effective this was for generating funds. The gal in charge was pretty enthusiastic because they were able to clear $2000 with only 3 volunteers and it was done in less than a week. Oh yeah, she did mention… a big benefit to her was that there was no selling… they send out fliers and parents sign up in advance. Now that they’re in their 3rd year, they’ve added an Easter photo frame program. Surely this won’t solve all your fundraising woes but if you’re interested in more information, I’d be glad to share more details with you.
Molly,
Just checking back to see how the year has been going. Take a new look at our site and you will see that the program is up an running. I would love to discuss how our program can help you.
Sincerely,
Steve