We Need More Philanthropy…And More Resources

There is a consistent trend over the past three or four months that I have noticed regarding need vs. resources available. With the various clients that I'm fortunate to work with, I'm seeing a real drive from CEO's as they apply more pressure on fundraising operations to deliver more philanthropic funds. However, when there's an inquiry about additional resources to increase philanthropy by 20% or 30%, the answer is a consistent “no.” This is in healthcare, education, social service, and other nonprofit sector---consistent across the board.

It is more than frustrating to deal with scenarios and situations where someone or some entity is asking for more money but not willing to invest to get there. There are multiple ways of equating this to other parts of our organizations. You wouldn't ask a surgeon to do more surgeries than humanly possible or expect more revenue from those surgeries without investment. You wouldn't expect to have more students on your campus and in your school if you weren't willing to invest in the right professors or admission staff. 

I certainly respect and understand the need to tighten belts regarding operations. It's a difficult time with inflation rates running somewhere between 7 and 10% annually. But the systematic disconnect between understanding of philanthropy and the need for money is maddening.

Where does that leave fundraisers and philanthropic officers? Maybe more importantly philanthropic leaders? It means we need to do a better job of explaining what we do. Why it's important and how it works. We can't just turn on a spigot and have money come out. It takes time and resources to develop meaningful relationships.

Here's hoping that there's a better understanding of philanthropy and fundraising by those in leadership positions as we are seeking more and more fundraising success in support of our organization’s missions.