The reality of charity fundraising sucks!!!

Before you start reading, this is a true “Real Life” story.   I am going to change the names to protect the innocent and so that no one is embarrassed.  But the reality is, the name I am going to use represents everyone…every charity fundraiser across North America.  Because, to be honest with you, if the charities out there face facts and not hide from the truth, they are going to realize their efforts are terrible.  Ok, here we go: 

 

True Story:

Yesterday, a good friend who I have known for years, asked to stop our offices and talk about her fundraising efforts.  She has been a follower, client and fan of ours for years.  But after spending endless hours fundraising for her local charity, reality hit her in the face.

During our conversation, she told me about her efforts to host a fundraiser.  She explained that the best fundraiser she has ever hosted attracted only 75 people and her “Net” (Profit) was $4,000.00.  However, the more we spoke about her efforts, we both soon realized that that was not her true “Net” or “Net Net.”  After deducting other expenses, time and gas, that “Net” came down significantly.

Now, important for you to understand, the “National Norm” or “Beginning” of successful fundraising is $100.00 a person net.  Which means for every person who attends your fundraising event, each person equals $100.00.  So, she would have profited or “Netted” $7,500.00 but the reality was it fell well under $4,000.00 most likely, $3,800.00.

Here is where reality hit her in the face.  I then asked how long did it take her to plan and execute that event, her reply was 3 months.  I then asked how many people helped her with the planning and execution of it, she said 3 total. 

Her true “Net Net” was most likely $3,800.00 – if you divide that number by the 3 people who helped her, it equals $1,266.66 each.  What that means is, the 3 people who were involved in the planning and execution of her fundraiser (if they were employees), would have only been paid $1,266.66 for three months work.  So, if it were a salary, their monthly salary would have only been $422.22 a month or $105.55 a week. 

I asked her, if all three of you were happy with that, would you work for me for $200.00 a week?  She sheepishly said “No.” 

That my friends is the reality of charity fundraising and it sucks.  Once you see your efforts laid out in front of you, many come back with the same conclusion.

We then went into some of my tried and true questions which I pose to every single client we help.  I asked her how many Gift Baskets did she have at her fundraising event – she said 50.  She began to tell me about how she made them, how she got them donated until I stopped her and asked “How many gift baskets did you give to your family and friends for this past holiday season”….her head dropped and she quietly “None.” 

At that point, the sting of her reality, what she believed was successful, began to ache.  The reality slammed into her like a baseball bat and that is when she asked “Will you help me?”  Of course I replied and started to consult her on how to turn her efforts toward a much more successful path.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I understand how hard you work and why.  I understand that any money raised, helps your cause or charity.  However, my job is to help you maximize your efforts so that you and your charity raise’s the maximum amount of money each and every time.  Furthermore, that your efforts grow upon themselves, making your efforts that much easier.

Take this as a lesson or a learning experience – fundraising the “Old Way” is not successful.   You and your charity must heed my warning and understand that in order to be a successful fundraiser, you must change with the times – and we are here to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. 

 

As an example, look at all of the companies that are gone because they were stuck in the old ways.  Is that you?  Ask yourself, have you changed anything about your fundraising efforts or are you proceeding the same way year after year.

 

If you would like to learn more and get the absolute best advice on how to successfully fundraise, contact us today www.BWUnlimited.com or email me at George@BWUnlimited.com, I would love to help you.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help consult and guide you and your charity through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls while educating you and your staff about the trends of successful fundraising across North America.  Knowledge is power, more importantly learning how to maximize your efforts and minimizing wasted time is the key to your charities ultimate fundraising success.  If you would like our help, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.