Several years back, a popular consumer product used the tag line, “Accept no substitutes,” to claim singular distinction for their product. The implication here is that the quality of the product is so high, the essence of the experience so fulfilling that you’ll never want anything else. Ever.
For nonprofits seeking to attract investors—some call these folks donors—it’s no different.
Charitable organizations seriously damage their cause when they low-ball their requests for support. “But we only need...” or “Just a $1 gives you...”
When an organization makes this sort of appeal, everyone will be thinking “lower price” or on the look out for another opportunity.
Principle No. 1 of The Eight Principles™ is Donors are the Drivers®. Donors drive philanthropy. The important thing to remember is donors aren’t focused on the money.
That’s right. Donors’ eyes are on the experience your organization is providing them. Do you understand their values, their visions? Do you demonstrate the community changing outcomes that are the outgrowth of these values?
When you can connect your goals and achievements to the values and aspirations of your investors, they will never seek a substitute. Moreover, you’ll raise more money than ever by making it about donors, not the money.
To your fundraising success!
Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.
Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.
Larry is the author of the award-wining book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising." He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.
Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.
Reach Larry on social media at:
Twitter: Larry_C_Johnson
LinkedIn: larryjohnsonmegrace
Facebook: TheEightPrinciples