ARTICLE
The Three F’s of Good Works
Topics -
Updated - 02/26/2025
It’s been 35 years since my father passed away, but I still vividly recall how he would bring closure to discussions about how to resolve a decision: “Besides, it’s simply the right thing to do.”
After a fulfilling career as an advancement practitioner for three different institutions of higher learning followed by an equally satisfying chapter serving as a fundraising trainer/ consultant, that sentiment conveys even more significance.
I’ve learned that you never need to provide an explanation for doing the right thing. I’ve also learned that doing good is a wonderful way to live and the returns far exceed personal investments.
This motivates and fuels boundless passion, leadership and service for the millions of men and women who serve in professional volunteer roles to champion in the noble missions of America’s 1.5 million nonprofits that so profoundly touch, improve, and save lives.
This theme runs so deep that we have named our new virtual learning community: “Fundraising, Friendship, Fun.” These three alliterative words were not chosen haphazardly. They serve as the pillars of good works and are robustly interconnected and reinforce one another. This is why so many of us involved in philanthropy and nonprofits look forward to each new day with a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
I recognize that a lot of people don’t associate fundraising with something to be excited about. In fact, they might welcome it as much as a colorectal exam or root canal.
So let’s dig deeper and consider the ramifications of each of the three F’s
Fundraising
Once they understand the building blocks behind the art and science of fundraising it transforms from something to be feared to an entirely fulfilling experience to make a difference in a world that at times appears to be spinning out of control.
Raising money is not the end, but a means to an end to achieve a brighter, stronger, and more socially just future for all.
And it’s truly exhilarating. In the spirit of a win-win-win proposition everybody in the loop comes out a winner — generous donors, artful solicitors, and grateful beneficiaries. The fundraiser gets to be the change agent and catalyst for social progress.
I like to define an entrepreneur as someone who sees opportunities that others don’t. A fundraiser is a social entrepreneur who routinely exercises the attributes of creativity, problem solving, and bridge building.
Especially in the lucrative area of major gifts, no two donors are alike and no one size fits all approach works.
You must research likely donors, devote the time to keenly understand their values, priorities, and needs as the basis for nurturing a true friendship — note that we’re not talking about short-term transactional relationships — craft a compelling case for support, and when the time is ripe, make a solicitation for gifts of time, talent, and treasure. By the way, as we mature, we appreciate that time is the more valuable gift since unlike money it can never be replaced.
Then comes the pleasure of acknowledging and sincerely expressing gratitude. Stewardship is the equivalent of icing on the cake as we report on the impact of the time and money that donors have invested in our good causes. A highlight typically is bringing donors together with the recipients of their generosity, such as scholarship recipients.
Friendship
Earlier we emphasized the essential nature of forging friendships, not relationships. Friendships are much deeper and represent a special connection in which all parties benefit. This is in stark contrast to relationships that I once heard defined as something that you have until something better comes along.
Friend-raising is a prerequisite to fundraising. It’s actually a natural companion because everyone in a nonprofit family from board, management, staff, volunteers and donors unite as kindred spirits. They share a commitment to and conviction in goals and objectives much grander than themselves. Philanthropy brings out the very best that is in them reflecting Abraham Lincoln’s “better angels of our nature.”
Adding your voice to a nonprofit near and dear to you is an effective way to transition to the many challenges that are part of our day-to-day life such as relocating to new cities, reinforcing job searches, and coping with the loss of loved ones. They are great ways to meet new people and focus your attention and energy on something uplifting.
Nonprofits demand commitment and a willingness to go the extra mile. Bonding typically occurs when you share being in the same trenches.
Fun
Fun? Absolutely, fundraising provides moments of much-earned pleasure. They deserve to be celebrated. One of the heroes I inherited from my father was John F. Kennedy. He reminded a group of foreign students in 1963 that the ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along lines of excellence. Working hard and working smart to earn gifts of time and money is certainly all that and more.
To be sure, fundraisers must be willing to accept risks and their fair share of being turned down. But you’re not going to hear “Yes” unless you hear “No” along the way. Baseball players who get home runs one out of every three plate appearances can punch their tickets to the Hall of Fame. The rejection is never personal because you are not asking for support to enrich yourself but rather a cause that you believe in.
All the fundraisers I know and work with are proud to put themselves out there and be an indispensable part of advancing good works.
In 2025, we are proud to host free Fundraising, Friendship, Fun Zoom-based learning community broadcasts on the first Wednesdays of each month, 4 to 5 pm, Central time. No matter what the mission is of your favorite nonprofit — education, health care, economic development, arts and culture, animal welfare and a host of human services, and what your particular role is — you are invited to join us to learn, grow and meet men and women like you who embrace the powerful chemistry of Fundraising, Friendship, Fun.
How to Write a Fundraising Plan in 2 Steps!
Comments