Recently, we had the distinct honor of helping the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s “Forget-Me-Not” Gala Live Auction. Charity and Nonprofit fundraising at it’s finest!
"I want to be just like them" - The pitfalls of comparing your Charity or Nonprofit to another.
Are you back in grade school? Why do you want to be like another charity? Ask yourself that question before I give you the answer. How many times have we heard “Be Yourself, there is no one else like you.” Being a copy of someone or something, is just that, a copy.
Wish to be a better you, not a mirror image of someone or something else.
However, here is what you don’t realize or know. You will find the answers in the question should have asked before, here are the question that is the actual answer:
#1 – How old is the charity / nonprofit?
#2 – How many years have they been hosting their annual large fundraiser?
#3 – Who is on their Charity or Nonprofit Board of Directors?
#4 – How did they attract their sponsors and supporters?
One of the very best mantra’s I was ever told was this simple statement that makes perfect sense “Time takes Time.” It’s just that easy, that simple but many of us fail to think this way.
It takes time to build a large supporter base. It takes time to plan a successful fundraiser and years holding it to work out the “kinks” and to also attract a guest list of supporters who will make large donations. It takes time to determine what they like, what they want and what they will respond too. It takes time to find the people in your community or businesses who you need to attract to be a part of your fundraising event.
There is a term which I have coined called “Crowd Training.” What is Crowd Training you ask? It is the time allotted to educate and train your guests on what your event is about and how to be support your cause via the charity fundraiser. It could take up to three (3) years for your guests to figure out what is happening at your event through all of the “Fundraising Platforms.” Your Fundraising Platforms are the Live Auction, the Silent Auction, Raffle’s or Games and the “Ask” or request for donations. We have to understand, your crowd does not just walk in and know exactly what is going on – it takes time!
It also takes time to find a great, qualified fundraising professional who can lead you and your staff. It takes time to find a great charity Auctioneer who is professional that your crowd will love. It takes time to train your staff whether it is a paid or volunteer staff.
Remember when comparing yourself to another charity or nonprofit, remember “Time takes Time.” Invest yourself in the long haul, get educated and begin your journey to success.
George Wooden, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising
