. . . give to the annual fund.
. . . care about giving levels or giving societies.
. . . attend events.
. . . respond to phone calls.
. . . agree to face-to-face visits.
It may, indeed, be true that, “our donors don’t,” do this or that. The data may support our statement as accurate.
It’s the assumptions we sometimes link to these facts which can be faulty:
“Our donors don’t give to the annual fund because they like to know where their money is going.”
“Our donors don’t care about giving levels or giving societies because recognition isn’t what motivates our donors.”
“Our donors don’t attend events because they just aren’t that interested.”
“Our donors don’t respond to phone calls because. . . well, because no one responds to phone calls today.”
“Our donors don’t agree to face-to-face visits because they believe we will ask them for money.”
It’s a myth to believe there is some unique flaw or distinctive bug that dominates our giving culture and impacts all our donors. It’s a myth and it allows us to have little to no accountability for the problem.
But a more accurate assumption, in most instances, also reminds us of our work and influence:
Oftentimes, “Our donors don’t,” because, “we haven’t with consistency, creativity, and enthusiasm invited them to.”
