Fundraising For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 3

All About Attitude: Fundraising Issues and Ethics

IN THIS CHAPTER

Taking a look at the great fundraising debate

Getting oriented to the ethics of fundraising

Replacing fundraising myths with realities

The happiest and most successful fundraisers love what they do. They believe in their causes, and an air of invincibility surrounds them. They may not be the biggest moneymakers on the block right now, but something inside of them recognizes that one day they may be. They have the power of belief, pride in their profession, and the inner conviction that what they do makes a difference.

This chapter explores the issues that you may face when you first begin fundraising. Not only do you have to combat the understandable dread of asking someone for money, but you have to battle against a kind of built-in stigma — deep in the unspoken attitudes that people in today’s society have about money — that comes with the territory. Fundraisers are reluctant to refer to themselves as salespeople, but that is exactly what they do. They’re selling the idea of supporting a nonprofit organization or its event to people with money. Have you heard this: “A person and their money are hard to ...