I've been feeling blegh these past few days.  Nothing wrong.  Just...nothing right.  Unsurprisingly, the more I focus on what isn't

right, the worse I start to feel...and the more it seems that life is just raining on my parade.

   Fundraising is a lot like that.  If I focus on the negative--the fears that fundraising brings up--then fundraising becomes one big black cloud.

   If, on the other hand, I focus on how fundraising offers people an opportunity to be part of important work, then I feel joy in asking others to join with me.

   Joy is not a word we usually think of when we consider fundraising.  And yet, there are all kinds of studies and surveys that show that philanthropy is the greatest purveyor of happiness.  And what could bring more joy than being happy?

   Another word we don't think about when we think about fundraising is values.  And yet, the best way to get someone to support your organization or your cause is to show how what you do meshes with what that person values. 

   I often feel that fundraising frightens a lot of us because the focus is on the ask, and the ask is focused on money.  Our relationship with money is even more dysfunctional that our relationships to our families.

    So what is, instead of asking FOR something, you focused on values.  Have a real conversation about why the work your organization does matters to you--what values it represents. And how supporting the organization brings that value to your clients, your community, your world.

    **************  

 Need help in increasing your fundraising capacity or getting your Board to participate?  

Help is here.  Email me or call 310-990-9151.

Make Me Care

  In yesterday's mail I received two things-a thank you for renewing my membership in a museum and an annual appeal from the University where I got my MBA.

   The first welcomed me back and thanked me for being a member. The letter went on to explain how my support helped the museum serve my community. It then told me what my membership meant to me, personally-the benefits I received. The letter also told who to call if I had a question or a problem. And then it closed with another thanks.

   I felt good about being a member. I felt included, important, involved. And I would definitely consider not only rejoining but supporting the museum that clearly values me and sees itself as a resource for the community.

   The second letter was a totally different kettle of fish. It started by saying "Like you, we take enormous pride...." But I haven't supported the school for years, so what kind of pride in the school do I represent? Trying to create a false sense of being one annoyed me.

• Are your fundraising results down?
•  Board members bored?  
• Are you thinking about a campaign? 
• Or perhaps you need individual fundraising coaching!

Whatever your capacity building needs, Janet Levine Consulting can help.

  

 Send me an email or give me a call at 310-990-9151 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. 

I look forward to meeting with you.

Sincerely,

 Janet