Our institution needs more money . . . “we need to hold a gala!”
Our major donors aren’t giving as generously as they could . . . “we need more donor relations staff!”
Our Board members don’t engage meaningfully with fundraising . . . “we are a working Board!”
The fundamental problem with the most ineffective solutions offered to address common advancement problems is not that these answers are easily dismissed by research and experience.
If you spend only a few minutes in a role as an advancement professional you learn that a “gala” is one of the most inefficient and least effective ways to raise money.
You learn that specifically, personally, and enthusiastically inviting your major donors to give is the best antidote to their current giving lethargy.
You understand that the concept of a “working” Board is not at odds with Board members giving generously.
No, the fundamental problem with these so-called “solutions,” is that they are beloved. They are acceptable. They are comfortable. They are agreeable. They are convenient. They sound good. They are easy to canonize.
If we are truly seeking to find the most helpful, generosity-affirming, mission-enhancing advancement solutions, we have to be willing and prepared to accept those answers.
Especially when they seem inconvenient, comfortless, and hard to love.
