The Chief Activity Director

If you’re the head fundraiser—or the only fundraiser—in an organization, you’ve got a tough job.?No one would dispute this.

It very often becomes an order-of-magnitude more difficult, however, when those who hired you don’t understand what “fundraising” is.

Far too many people think fundraising is:

—Sending newsletters

—Sending appeal letters, electronic or otherwise

—Planning and executing parties

—Writing and submitting grant proposals

—Making a lot of noise on social media

—Dunning individuals for a gift

Fundraising isn’t running around making sure all the plates are spinning.

It’s not being the activity director.

Fundraising is actually:

—A well-crafted mission statement which communicates to investors

—Delivering services and benefits to the communities the organization serves

—Responding to the questions of investors directed to ?rank and file staff, executives, and board members

—Creating a culture of joy throughout the organization—for givers and receivers

The typical fundraiser isn’t in charge of ANY of these things.

No wonder the typical tenure for a development professional is a mere 18 months.?(I actually wonder why it’s not less.)

If you want to hire someone to be responsible for being the social director, then do that.?Don’t conflate it with fundraising, however.

Bottom line??Get serious.?Involve EVERYONE in your organization in “fundraising.” Work to create a Culture of Generosity?.

Remember that EVERYONE in your organization has donor contact of one kind or another.?If it’s only directing a phone call or fielding a question at a business meeting.

This is why organizational culture is primary to long-term fundraising success.?Not methods.?Not technology.?Not metrics.?Not the credentials of fundraising staff.?Not the size of your budget.

Creating and keeping a culture of service to your investors doesn’t happen by happenstance.?It requires conscious, dedicated effort.?Continually.

“But our folks aren’t comfortable with ‘fundraising’”, you say?

That’s why The Eight Principles? decided to make it easy to achieve—and maintain—with our Continuous Learning program.

With the most innovative pedagogy on the market (read “not sitting classroom style to someone talking to 12-point slides”), using Eight Principles Continuous Learning creates the donor service culture throughout your organization.

Once you’ve got it—the culture—a lot of good things happen.?Raise (much) more money (continuously).?Dramatically lower staff turnover.?Significantly improve the involvement and engagement of your board.

Never heard of “continuous learning”??It’s standard in the business community for culture building.?Check out the brief explanatory video:

I’ll be delighted to explore whether it’s a fit for you.?(It’s not for everyone.)?

Grab a time for a totally complimentary strategy session.?Whether or not continuous learning is for you, you’ll have a much clearer idea of where you need to go and how to achieve your goals.

To Your Fundraising Success,

Larry C Johnson, Founder, The Eight Principles?