Embrace Your Inner Fundraiser: Making a Difference Beyond Volunteering

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"I'll do anything, but please don't make me fundraise!" How many times have these words come forth as you are being asked to fundraise for a non-profit? As a volunteer, you have great enthusiasm for a cause close to your heart. You've been a generous advocate and volunteer… but the executive director wants you to help raise money. What should I say? What questions should I ask first? Where and with whom do I start? Could I ever possibly ask someone for money? I am not a fundraiser!

It's a scenario that as a coach in crowdfunding I hear time and time again from staff members to volunteers to average people like you and me. The thought of fundraising can be daunting, but it's important to recognize that we often underestimate our ability to influence others to give. Your presence and voice can make an extraordinary difference in the success of a nonprofit. Chances are you have been fundraising already and didn't even realize it.

You might be thinking, "I'm not a fundraiser, I'm just a volunteer! Or I just show up at events, love their BBQs, Help out here and there…" However, consider this: you are known in the community and on social media to be affiliated with the organization. You tell your family, friends, or co-workers about the great work you did over the weekend with the organization and your commitment to the cause. These conversations are a form of advocacy. You are already a spokesperson for the organization. So, celebrate this moment—you are a fundraiser! Omm not quite, there's more to it than that, but one crucial step – you need to make the ask for it to be official.

You might be asking yourself at this point, why are they even asking me to fundraise for them? Isn't this their job? Don't they make money doing this? Well, you're halfway right. However nonprofit administrators utilize various resources to raise money for the cause, and you are one of those valuable resources. Your involvement as a fundraiser can significantly extend the organization's reach and impact.

Now, let's address the discomfort that often surrounds fundraising. Many nonprofits don't expect perfection; they just want you to try and do your best. Fundraising success is not about coercion or guilt-tripping people into donating. Instead, it's about believing in the cause and sharing that belief with others. It's about creating a reality from the nonprofit's vision, whether that's curing cancer, helping the needy, feeding the hungry, or any other noble mission.

As a volunteer or Ambassador, you have a much stronger platform and voice than the staff themselves. Your enthusiasm and commitment are assets that can drive positive change for the cause you hold dear. Fundraising is not a burden; it's an opportunity to make an even greater impact. So, the next time you are asked to help raise money, remember that you are not just asking people for donations; you are inviting them to be part of something meaningful and transformative. Embrace your inner fundraiser and help turn your nonprofit's vision into a reality—one donation at a time.

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Source - Don't Make Me Fundraise!: A Guide for Reluctant Fundraising Volunteers by Eloise Brice.