Lest We Forget

Charities aren't "all about donors".  They're not about the fundraiser's, the staff or even the founders. 

Charities are all about the mission and vision.

We talk often about donor-centric communications as if all the wants of every donor are reasonable and the sole focus of our communications.  That's not necessarily true.  

1. Not every person is a suitable donor for your cause/mission/charity.  If you're an animal shelter, a rescue donor may not want to give to you.  Or they may give to you but have unreasonable expectations based on that gift, that separate your organization from its mission.  
2. Our/Your #1 priority is to the cause.  (Sticking with the animal welfare organization example) If the veterinary healthcare workers involved in your organization determines the best interest of the animal is to be put down, but a group of donors disagree's - who should be given priority?  Well the veterinary experts - of course.
3. If you focus on the work and communicate that work in an compelling and inspiring way, you will find the right donors, to support your good works in a reasonable way.

Yes we need to have donor-centric communications, but we have to stay on mission and continue to work towards our vision.  And sometimes, that means that we have to ignore donors and just do what experts believe to be right and good.

We don't need to become politicians - saying what people want to hear for personal gain.  We need to make the world a better place and we need to identify the right donors who have an interest in our cause, and inspire them to join us as we work towards that goal.

Have a fabulous Friday!