An Interview with Stacy Danley, Director of Athletics – SC State University
Giving – Givers – Goals
Albert Einstein’s favorite saying was, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted, counts.” That is true in fund-raising. Givers give for several reasons, but you have to remember–respect them and remember that manners matter.
The American public gave almost $300 billion last year to 1.1 million non-profit organizations. One of the top reasons givers give is because they believe in the mission. One to two percent of the population give to presidential campaigns compared to about seventy percent of households that give to charity. Why? They believe in the mission.
A recent survey found the following factors determine which charities donors support:
1. Sound business practices
2. Spending an appropriate amount on overhead
3. Acknowledgement of contributions
The reality is that many volunteers and even fund-raisers are willing to do everything but ask for money. Yet, people who are asked to give, give more and give more often. There is not a shortage of money; there is a shortage of big bold ideas. Fund-raising starts with passion! People want to give, even in tough times.
Givers
Jon Huntsman, Sr., has always given more with his heart and less with his head. Of the 1,000 living billionaires in the world, he is one of 18 who has donated at least $1 billion. In 1960, as a Navy Lieutenant, he would take $50 out of his $320 monthly paycheck and give it to the Navy Relief Fund to help veterans’ families. That was in addition to the $32 he gave to his church. Warren Buffet invited Huntsman to join him and others to sign a pledge of giving half of their money away. Huntsman said they had it all wrong—the right formula was to give 80% of it away.
Boone Pickens said, “I love making money, but I also love giving it away. Not as much as making it, but it’s a close second.” Pickens has given away close to $2 billion. His philanthropic approach has been, “I don’t plant small trees. Why? Because of my age. I’m not out to change an organization for a day or a month. I’m out to change the lives of as many people as possible. I’m 80 years old. I want results now.”
Goals
Goals are important if fund-raisers are to succeed. Action leads to more action.
Dreams + Goals + Action = Success
Goal: Know your mission statement. Mission statements should be 16 words or less.
Goal: Build trust with your donors.
Goal: No matter how we feel, get up, dress up, show up.
Always remember, it’s the people, not the money, who bring power to your organization.
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