Author Archives: Jereann

Fundraising Myth #2: It’s All About You and Your Institution. This one will generally elicit one of two reactions: (1) “Huh?” and (2) “Of course not!” Let’s deal with each, in turn. The “Huh?” reaction is often from fundraisers who are so passionate about their mission that they can’t understand why anyone might be – well – less than excited. They may see “donors” as one great undifferentiated blob. The fact is that donors come in all shapes and sizes, with different interests and their own set of giving priorities. Read More

“How can you do fundraising? It’s so unpleasant.” I’ve been asked that question many times. Many nonprofit volunteers and directors say they hate asking people – especially their peers – for money. They feel like they’re in unfamiliar, even hostile territory. And for some people, asking for money feels like begging, and no one wants to be a beggar. Read More

This fall, I and my Getting to Giving colleagues were invited to put on a seminar about fundraising for Harvard Business School alumni. We began developing what we hoped would be an inspiring and value-added daylong seminar for people who were very involved in philanthropy, in one capacity or another. The response to the seminar invitation was encouraging, and some alumni brought along directors of nonprofit organizations they supported. Read More