We need trustees. Good ones, calm ones, listening ones. But sometimes, some of our trustees believe weird things. Like conspiracy theories that gain currency, some trustees can interpret their understandable and limited knowledge with the gossip and hearsay that sometimes surround fundraising. A dangerous and toxic mix we need to avoid if we are to move forward. So here are a few we hear every so often and a few slightly exasperated yet young in cheek responses I am sure we have all felt but may not have said.
- You don’t need to spend money to raise money – Yes well it’s all for free isn’t it, like lunch or a free gift. Except it isn’t. It costs. Simple as.
- You can get your money back really fast – McDonald’s are to blame for this one. In some cases you can. But for most, well we need to be patient and plan
- Fundraising is like selling really – Well to be fair it is isn’t it….well it isn’t. So accepting some similarities for ease, we need time to expand this one, but for now it just isn’t
- Fundraisers are responsible for raising money – it’s not everyone else’s job – No comment.
- We don’t really need to pay staff to raise money – Frankly we aren’t worth it to be honest. Why pay? See 1.
- We spend too much on admin and overheads – Define? Exactly. Please someone. Watch Dan Pallotta and discuss.
- We need a new audience – Completely. Nasty old rich people a? You know the ones giving us the money right now, lets ignore them and go elsewhere more trendy?
- We are ok not to tell people what the money is for – Cash machines, walking wallets, etc. Contempt breeds contempt
- We know best – By yourself you don’t. With professionals working together, we know enough to get the job done and done well
So these are the myths that sometimes surface. Chase them and confront them. But before it gets to that, educate, explain, inform. And remember, all it takes for nonsense to triumph is for good people to say nothing