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For almost 20 years I've worked in the fundraising/university advancement arena for colleges and universities, while also providing advice to other nonprofits. While others would try to lead using gurus of sales or marketing or fundraising, I'd always lean towards Franklin, Whitman, Emerson, Thoreau and others. Why? Because over the past decade or so, our profession has become so focused on strategies, pyramids and propensities, that we've forgotten the root of support: have a vision, and share it. My work is for all fundraising organizations who have a cause they believe in, particularly where resources are limited and passion is high.
Once the strategists leave or the employees or volunteers return from a distant conference, the important work begins--bringing together the team in ways that everyone knows and respects each other's roles, and they are inspired to share the vision of the cause with each other, donors and the public.
The work is no more about raising money than building Europe's great cathedrals was simply about laying stones: there must be a cause, a greater calling toward a vision. Create a vision...achieve it...one friend at a time.
Once the strategists leave or the employees or volunteers return from a distant conference, the important work begins--bringing together the team in ways that everyone knows and respects each other's roles, and they are inspired to share the vision of the cause with each other, donors and the public.
The work is no more about raising money than building Europe's great cathedrals was simply about laying stones: there must be a cause, a greater calling toward a vision. Create a vision...achieve it...one friend at a time.
"Achieving the vision...one friend at a time," represents a method of raising funds, focusing an organization and engaging all staff and volunteers in a way that increases fundraising success, while bringing joy to all who are involved and celebrating the REAL reasons that funds are raised and funds are given.
Why does a breakfast meeting to discuss a $5,000 gift become a $125,000 contribution (matched for another $125,000!) in 48 hours at the donor's request? Why does a $50,000 contribution become a $300,000 contribution PLUS a planned gift with no further inducement from the development officer? Why does a $20,000 planned gift become a $42,000 current contribution PLUS a planned gift? These are real and the reasons are clear: "achieving the vision...one friend at a time." It's a method of planning, thinking, implementing and living out an organization's vision, as well as the relationships with donors and prospective donors.
Almost 20 years of fundraising have provided me with a perspective that is more heavily influenced by Franklin, Whitman and Emerson than any particular fundraising legends. Franklin taught me the management and process of fundraising; Whitman the role of the development professional or volunteer; and, Emerson the power of certain types of conversations and site visits. Yes, there are workshops, seminars and keynotes on each of those, and, of course, on "achieving the vision...one friend at a time."
Over time, you'll find here a variety of tips, services and products that will help you, your staff, your volunteers and your donors come to appreciate and experience the truly enthused sensation of achievement.
CHECK OUT MY NEW FUNDRAISING COURSE OFFERED THROUGH THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE. the full brochure and more information can be found at www.dionmcinnis.com.
Why does a breakfast meeting to discuss a $5,000 gift become a $125,000 contribution (matched for another $125,000!) in 48 hours at the donor's request? Why does a $50,000 contribution become a $300,000 contribution PLUS a planned gift with no further inducement from the development officer? Why does a $20,000 planned gift become a $42,000 current contribution PLUS a planned gift? These are real and the reasons are clear: "achieving the vision...one friend at a time." It's a method of planning, thinking, implementing and living out an organization's vision, as well as the relationships with donors and prospective donors.
Almost 20 years of fundraising have provided me with a perspective that is more heavily influenced by Franklin, Whitman and Emerson than any particular fundraising legends. Franklin taught me the management and process of fundraising; Whitman the role of the development professional or volunteer; and, Emerson the power of certain types of conversations and site visits. Yes, there are workshops, seminars and keynotes on each of those, and, of course, on "achieving the vision...one friend at a time."
Over time, you'll find here a variety of tips, services and products that will help you, your staff, your volunteers and your donors come to appreciate and experience the truly enthused sensation of achievement.
CHECK OUT MY NEW FUNDRAISING COURSE OFFERED THROUGH THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-CLEAR LAKE. the full brochure and more information can be found at www.dionmcinnis.com.
Commitment
A vision grows from your soul, fed by commitment and passion, and can be articulated with descriptions of how things will be when the vision is achieved. If you cannot describe life within the vision, it is only a dream of imagination; if you cannot find the passion and perseverance, perhaps all you have is a plan for a goal. The same is true for individual and organizational vision.
No vision can be achieved alone.
No vision can be achieved alone.
