Putting Donors at the Center of Your Thinking Can Cure an Ailing Fundraising Program

Nonprofit Navel-Gazing Syndrome
Does your newsletter (and/or Web site) contain any of the following?

• News about back-office staff.

• A photo of a well-heeled donor presenting a giant check to your organization.

• Photos of people standing around (possibly holding wine glasses) at your fundraising event.

• Articles with the sole purpose of educating donors.

If you answered yes to any of these, your organization may suffer from Nonprofit Navel-Gazing Syndrome (NPNGS). This condition causes nonprofits to believe that their own understanding of the world must be shared by others — especially donors. This leads to a lack of respect for donors who "don't get it." This elitist attitude prevents effective fundraising.