What's an "investment?

Your answer determines the outcomes of every aspect of your fundraising program.

There are actually two kinds of investments in the fundraising world.

The first one is often seen as only an “expense” and thus an additional financial burden on an already stretched nonprofit seeking to deliver on its mission.

This investment is the funds which are devoted to fueling your fundraising effort.

If you’ve deployed these strategically, they return more—sometimes far more—than what you’ve spent.

I wonder how many of my readers know their cost-per-dollar-raised off the top of their heads.  If you know, reply to this email with your answer.

The other type of investment related to fundraising are the gifts/donations/grants—whatever you choose to call them that your donors/benefactors/patrons or that horrible world “funders” bestow upon you.

Simply stated, an “investment” returns more than the original amount invested.

Investors invest because their investments deliver more value than they have given.

What?

You got that right.

Your donors—your investors—see their return as worth more than they’ve given.

The return in this case is intangible, not material.  That is except for those who purchase tchotchkes at a gala or auction.

So, what is that intangible return?

This is where it gets tricky.

A conventional answer might be the return they get is the furtherance of your mission

Maybe for some.

For most, investors return is something far more fundamental.  The joy they experience in fulfilling and realizing their deepest held values.

If you’ve savvy enough to know what these are.  If you’re straightforward enough to appeal to these.  And if you keep the faith with these investors in honoring these.

You’ll never have to worry about “enough” again.

Beginning mid-October, we’re conducting a series of (free) Executive Briefings where I, along with other members of our team and nonprofit executives, will be unpacking what’s holding you back and showing you ways forward.

I you’d like to participate simply reply to this email with the message “Sign Me Up.”

We’ll place you on a priority registration list when registration opens.  Please note:  There is limited space.  If you’re interested, I wouldn’t delay.

Like to know more?  Talk to us.

We look forward to speaking with you.

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Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles and the recipient of Marquis Who’s Who World Humanitarian Award.  He works with nonprofit leaders enabling them to achieve financial security for their organizations.

Want to offer a story of your own?  Give him a call.