What Are the 2 Most Dangerous Assumptions in Fundraising?

The two most dangerous assumptions in fundraising are:

1. Thinking the reasons why people give don’t matter.
2. Thinking we know why people give.

Assumption No. 1 is beyond redemption. (You can’t fix stupid!) Thankfully, although it still pervades a few of the bigger, aggressive, fundraising departments, it’s largely on its way out.

But the second is even more presumptuous. Its heart’s in the right place, but its brain isn’t.

How can any fundraising strategy be labeled "donor-centric" if it is oblivious to the identities, experiences and preferences of the people it targets?