The Secret Trick to Raising Money—Works Every Time!

We’re always on the lookout for the trick—the short, straight path to success. And no matter how intelligent or sober we think we are, the allure of the gimmicks to lose weight, get dates or build muscle overnight is seemingly irresistible. “Yes, we can really see that beautiful oasis in the distance,” we say.

The question is, will we take the bait?

The web has made what used to be the bane of late-night television available all day, all the time.

Fundraising hucksters have gotten into this in a big way. Perhaps you’ve seen some of the promises:

• “The three steps to immediate year-end giving success.”
• “Nail your board fundraising now with these surefire techniques.”
• “The four things you need to meet your year-end fundraising goals.”
• “Four secrets to get your donors to always say ‘Yes.’”

Sound familiar? They should.

These are actual promotional pitches from real fundraising coaches packaged in the respectability of serial credentials and third-party accolades.

We know it’s probably hype, but we want to believe otherwise. So we take the plunge—again, and again. “Why didn’t it deliver?” you say. The barkers say it’s in our “application,” so we need more of what they’re selling.

There is, however, a darker, more corrosive side to all this hyperbole. It’s when we become hooked.

I don’t mean that we necessarily buy the latest gimmick-driven course or clever tool, or subscribe to the newest giving ploy. I mean we actually begin to believe that we can construct a successful fundraising program that delivers sustainable revenue using a series of tricks or shortcuts.

Here’s the thing about tricks, secrets, and the latest and greatest: They aren’t total frauds. There’s some truth in all the hype. Some of these actually work, at least at on some level providing a measure of immediate, but fleeting results.

They don’t move the needle, however. They simply jog it a bit. Then the needle quickly snaps back to your steady state.

Ugh! We thought we had it this time!

There is one trick—one real secret—that works today, tomorrow and for as far as you can see.

What’s that? It’s called doing the hard stuff.

It’s building a fundraising program that works within The Eight Principles^™, and then executing it consistently.

“But it can’t be that simple,” you say.

Yes, it can.

It’s simple, straightforward and within the power of every charitable organization.

Sustainable, scalable revenue from fundraising is possible for every nonprofit organization. Period.

It doesn’t take elixirs or snake oil. It doesn’t require secret recipes or buying the “go-to” webinar. And it doesn’t even take a lot of money. Fancy that.

But, it does take the right mindset, effort and time. It takes commitment—to doing it right consistently.

As Beverly Sills said: “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

Put yourself into The Eight Principles^™ frame of mind, and the wait will be worth it. Well worth it. The payoff will amaze you.

What’s the reverse aphorism? “Easy come, easy go.”

The next time you hear the siren song of quick, seemingly effortless solutions to your fundraising challenges, lash yourself to the mast and plug your ears. Continue to sail to your real destination—changing the world. Permanent change for the better.

Success is waiting. Go out and achieve it!