How to be a better fundraiser | Kara Logan Berlin | TEDxSantaClaraUniversity

Summary

This video explores the essential role of fundraising in driving social change. The speaker emphasizes that while ideas and passion matter, they require financial resources to turn into reality. Fundraising is reframed as an opportunity to invest in transformative causes, not a dirty task. The speaker highlights key elements of successful fundraising: understanding one's feelings toward money, building meaningful relationships, and asking for support. With personal stories and practical advice, the video showcases how effective fundraising can fuel progress, urging viewers to embrace the art of raising money to make a difference.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fundraising is a critical part of making real change happen; without capital, ideas cannot become a reality.
• 😀 Your relationship with money, whether positive or negative, directly impacts your ability to raise funds effectively.
• 😀 The difference between wealthy people and others is just more money—don’t overcomplicate the ask, everyone has their own baggage with money.
• 😀 Fundraising should be viewed as an opportunity, not a burden. It's about empowering people to invest in world-changing ideas.
• 😀 Building relationships is key to successful fundraising; people give to people they trust, not just to ideas.
• 😀 Effective relationship-building involves genuine interest in others and understanding their values and motivations.
• 😀 A strong relationship with potential donors requires homework—know what they care about and ask meaningful questions.
• 😀 When talking to donors, prioritize listening over talking. 75% of the conversation should focus on them, not you.
• 😀 Avoid overwhelming donors with too much detail; focus on the bigger picture of why the work matters and how they can contribute.
• 😀 The ask should be simple and clear: 'Would you consider...?' This gives donors an easy way to say yes or no.
• 😀 Authenticity is vital—be yourself and don’t over-prepare or try to ‘bigshot’ the conversation.
• 😀 Don’t hesitate to make an actual ask—if you don’t ask, you won’t receive, and you won’t be able to fund the work.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in the transcript?

The speaker discusses the importance of fundraising for social change, explaining how crucial financial resources are in making a significant impact in the world. They emphasize the need for understanding money, building relationships, and making the right asks in order to fund meaningful work.

Why does the speaker refer to fundraising as 'the other F word'?

The speaker refers to fundraising as 'the other F word' to highlight that it is often seen as a difficult or uncomfortable topic. People may feel uneasy about asking for money, which is why the speaker wants to reframe fundraising as an opportunity, not something negative.

What is the significance of understanding one's feelings about money in fundraising?

Understanding personal feelings about money is critical because it directly impacts how someone approaches fundraising. People may have emotional baggage related to money, whether from growing up poor or wealthy, which can affect their comfort in asking for financial support.

How does the speaker suggest overcoming the discomfort of asking for money?

The speaker advises reframing the ask as an opportunity rather than a personal favor. When asking for funds, it should be seen as offering someone the chance to invest in a cause that will make a difference, rather than focusing on the personal need for money.

Why is building relationships essential in fundraising?

Building relationships is essential because people give to people, not just ideas. Establishing trust and understanding the needs and values of potential donors allows fundraisers to create meaningful partnerships, leading to long-term support and investment in the cause.

What role does research play in fundraising?

Research is vital to understanding what potential donors care about, which helps fundraisers tailor their approach. Knowing a donor’s interests, financial situation, and previous giving habits allows fundraisers to make informed and personal asks that are more likely to result in support.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of listening in a donor meeting?

The speaker stresses that fundraising is a two-way conversation, with the majority of the interaction focused on listening to the donor. Understanding their motivations and interests helps to guide the conversation towards how they can invest in the cause, rather than overwhelming them with details.

What mistake did the CEO in the example make when meeting with donors?

The CEO in the example made the mistake of getting too detailed about the organization's work, which caused the donor's interest to wane. The speaker suggests focusing on the bigger picture and addressing the donor's needs and interests rather than diving into technical details.

Why is authenticity important in fundraising?

Authenticity is important because people can tell when someone is being insincere. Being genuine in your approach fosters trust and rapport with donors, making them more likely to invest in the cause. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being yourself and not trying to 'bigshot' or act like someone you're not.

What is the speaker’s approach to making the 'ask' for money?

The speaker advises making the ask confidently and clearly by using the phrase 'Would you consider...?' This allows the donor an easy out if they're not ready to commit and encourages a second ask, making the conversation more fluid and less pressured.