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Reflections on fund raising
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Greetings!
 
peace among penguinsOn December 1st, 1959, representatives of 12 countries, including the United States, signed a treaty in Washington setting aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, free from military activity. 
 
Maybe, someday, we will make the same declaration about the other continents, the ones where the people live.  But in the meantime, we can celebrate a start.
 
Here is a story about celebrating a start.  I was asked to lead a half-day board retreat for a community arts center.  "All the board members are artists," I was told.  I thought to myself that this was a colorful way of saying that the board members were articulate, stylish people who majored in esoteric cultures and languages in college.  A Google scan revealed that most of the board members were, in fact, professional artists.  "This is going to be interesting," I said to myself.
 
I interviewed several board members to prepare for the retreat.  Most were nervous about fund raising, but one said something that stuck in my mind.  "Once a month," she told me, "I go to a performance at the center.  I have a list of a dozen or so potential supporters that I invite to come along."
 
Even fund raisers, who are essentially relationship managers, can get lost in administrivia.  Remember: at the core, our business is inviting other people to share our delight in the organizations we are committed to.
 
World peace?  Why not?  The alternatives get bleaker all the time.  One continent, at least, has been declared a military free zone.
 
If having the board at your organization gung ho about fund raising seems as unlikely as an outbreak of world peace, remember that woman who said, "I have a list of people I invite to come with me."
 
"What you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." 
- Goethe
 


UPCOMING WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS: 
 
Basics of Individual Giving in Largo, MD, sponsored by the Human Services Coalition of Prince Georges County on December 10, 2008, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM.  Click here for details.
 
It's All about Relationships: Working with Family Foundations in Washington, sponsored by the Foundation Center on December 18, 2008, from 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM.  Click here for details.
 
Fundamentals of Major Gifts Fund Raising, in Washington, sponsored by the Center for Non Profit Advancement on January 15, 2009, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  Click here for details.
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If you are associated with an organization that might benefit from creative thinking about its relationship with major donors, send an email or call 301 758 3410