Comments on: Financing not Fundraising

By: Nell Edgington

Nell Edgington — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:09:10 +0000

Jonathan,

I’m not arguing at all that nonprofits should “focus” on individual giving, rather I’m arguing that they see individual giving as one possible revenue stream in an expanded, diversified and more sustainable overall financing plan for their organizations. To me, traditional fundraising is a very narrow, exhausting, low-return series of activities that results in nonprofits continuing to live in a starvation cycle. Financing, on the other hand, encourages nonprofits to break free from that cycle and develop a strategic, thoughtful, systematic way to bring enough money in the door to reach their goals.

By: Jonathan Howard

Jonathan Howard — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:02:15 +0000

Great series. I totally agree we consultants need to refocus clients on their whole financing picture. I have mixed feelings about the title “Financing Not Fundraising.” It’s a solid, challenging heading for the series, yet to most of us, a focus on individual giving, as you recommend, is the essence of traditional “fundraising,” even when we use, as many already do, a social investment case for giving. It might be more apt, if less striking, to say “Financing AND Fundraising.”

By: Nell Edgington

Nell Edgington — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:01:45 +0000

Thanks Mary. I absolutely agree, we need to move from begging to marketing around the social return on investment, with no apologies.

By: Mary Kuria

Mary Kuria — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:23:55 +0000

This is great piece, very encouraging. It is not fair for organisations to ‘beg’ for funds to undertake what should be everyone’ s responsibilities.

As fundraisers we need to convince our investors that the return to their funds are worth their investments.

I believe we need to be better at marketing our products, with no apologies.

Great work and good luck

By: Nell Edgington

Nell Edgington — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:58:40 +0000

Thanks Ron. It is definitely a culture change, let’s hope it takes hold!

By: Ron

Ron — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:52:59 +0000

Interesting! This is not a new concept and the more progressive non-profits have been working on this for many years with limited success. Yes, it will take time, but I believe a change in philosophy is needed not only within the staffing of these organizations but by the large volunteer base. It is a culture change that is needed and this can only successfully be initiated by strong focused leadership – staff and volunteer leadership.
The term “non-profit” is totally misleading. Without “profit” (revenue exceeding expenses) no non-profit can fulfill its mission. Leaders in this industry have to think like business leaders and entrepreneurs if they are to make an impact on the fortunes and success of these organizations. Focus on the mission is critical. This focus needs to drive a strategy which can clearly demonstrate to potential “investors” the “return” they will get from their “investment” in the mission. Not an easy task, but attainable.
This is just a sample on my thoughts and research on this sector.

By: Nell Edgington

Nell Edgington — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:01:46 +0000

Olayinka,

I absolutely agree, this approach definitely takes time. But I believe that nonprofits really don’t have a choice. The status quo is a dead end.

By: Olayinka

Olayinka — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:34:16 +0000

This piece is really thought provoking. Fundraising tends to box you into a corner. Having to align your project to donors vision and discard it when you have finished spending the money. Financing strategy is the way to go but then this shift will take time to mature.

By: Cambio y Corto » Blog Archive » Hoy te recomiendo… (12)

Cambio y Corto » Blog Archive » Hoy te recomiendo… (12) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:09:39 +0000

[...] Financing, Not Fundraising [...]

By: Vipul

Vipul — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:42:59 +0000

Totally agree Nell. Fundraising poses a lot of limitations on the operations. Financing will have to be the new mantra and the way to go.