Fundraising Training Focused on Human Nature: Dispensing Joy

Fundraisers are trained to raise money. And they do. The fundraising training they receive (if they receive any at all) is focused on money. The more the better.

There’s a problem with this approach. Often times, the more you seek money, the less of it you find.

When your fundraising training tells you that raising more money means using every trick or technique in the book to free it from the hands of the marginally willing, you’re bound to be disappointed. If not now, then certainly later.

And yet, the drama plays on… and on. It’s like the proverbial dog chasing its tail.

Would you like to know how to really raise “more money”? Don’t think about it. You read it right. Don’t even think of the subject when you’re training to raise it.

Are you still with me? Good. You’re one of a select few who can really scale the heights. Why? Because you’re trainable.

The fundraising training that works and works—barely makes mention of money or “gifts” at all.

It’s time to think differently. Go back to when you were a child.

What gave you the most pleasure? At five, you didn’t even understand the concept of money. What gave you the most joy may have involved money on the part of the giver, but it wasn’t your focus.

The beauty of human nature is that there is a part of us that always remains the child. Those who are philanthropic are especially in touch with this part of themselves. They may not call it that but philanthropists of all stripes and abilities are tuned to receiving and appreciating joy. Pure delight.

The fund development professionals who get this—who are truly students of human nature—have had fundraising training from the very best.

I have been especially blessed during my career. I started in fundraising as a mid-career professional who was mentored by the very best. For this, I am truly grateful.

So why is joy so important? Because it’s what your donors are looking for. (I prefer the term “investors.”)

“But I want more money,” you say. I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.

If you want to receive more of something from someone you must first deliver more of what they want. Pure and simple.

It’s really not about you. It really isn’t.

Here at The Eight Principles, we know how donors want to be approached. The kinds of relationships they want. We know what makes them smile.

Funny thing. When people smile they’re much more agreeable. They’re much more interested in helping you achieve your dreams.

Our fundraising training stresses the right mindset—the right mental paradigm. It’s the sort of training that you perhaps didn’t think you needed, but upon learning it, you wonder how you ever got along without it.

We’ve got a program to meet your needs. Live, interactive sessions with goal-oriented objectives for your staff or board. You choose.

We keep it simple. Practical. And full of joy.

Whatever you do, don’t fall into the “money” trap. It’s easy to do.

To your fundraising success!