How to not give fundraising a bad name.

Today on Fundraising Friday, I'm sharing something I've shared before.

If this is not your struggle, I apologize in advance for the repetition.

Why am I sharing it again?

Because I continue to see it happening, and it hurts our profession, it hurts our causes, and it makes it more difficult for the awesome people who do things the right way to do their jobs.

If you're still reading, repeat after me:

? I will not treat people like ATMs.

? I will not treat people like ATMs.

? I will not treat people like ATMs.

Is this your struggle? Here's the anecdote:

Get insanely curious about the people who support your cause.

Spend some time asking yourself these questions about every person you meet:

?Who are they?

?What makes them tick?

?What are they trying to accomplish?

?What difference do they want to make?

?How does generosity align with and contribute to their identity?

?How does your cause intersect with their story?

Don't just ask yourself these questions, either. Ask givers these questions too!

It's hard to treat someone like an ATM when you're insanely curious about their story.

It's hard to treat someone like an ATM when you remember that behind every gift is a real person with their own unique identity, motivations, and difference they want to make.

When you start from a place of curiosity, respect, and empathy, you will always build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

When you build stronger, more meaningful relationships, everyone wins.