A Blast From the Past: Fundraising Urban Legends Debunked (March 2010)

By Jeff Brooks

FundRaising Success published its first issue in November 2003, which makes this our 10-year anniversary year. To celebrate, we'll be taking a look back at past issues throughout the year.

You know about urban legends — those wacko rumors that spread so quickly because they're uniquely compelling. Did you know we have them in the fundraising community?

Recent research done by the Folklore Department at Easier Said Than Done University has uncovered some fascinating urban legends. We've not only gathered them, but we've investigated them to find their essential truth or error.

Next time you hear one of these legends repeated by a wide-eyed fundraising colleague, you can nod sagely — secure that you know the truth (or lack thereof) behind the legend.