Ready to bust some fundraising myths? Here are some from the Institute of Fundraising Blog, at Debunking direct mail myths:
- The junk mail illusion. Forget all the loudmouths who say everyone hates direct mail. Most of your donors, most of the time, welcome your mail — and direct mail in general.
- Direct mail engages only older age groups. There’s effective direct mail aimed at all age groups. A more accurate statement: charitable giving engages older age groups more than younger ones.
- Image is everything. Who you are, what you do, and the words you use to say so matter far more than the design you employ.
The amount of time and money that’s wasted by those who believe myths like this is downright scandalous.
One of the smartest things you can do to be an effective fundraiser, is to know the myths from the facts. How? Hire and talk to experience. Read the good blogs. Go to the smart conferences. Read books.
You are not on your own. Gather the wisdom that’s out there. Inoculate yourself against the myths and the BS.
Jeff Brooks has been serving the nonprofit community for more than 35 years and blogging about it since 2005. He considers fundraising the most noble of pursuits and hopes you’ll join him in that opinion. You can reach him at jeff [at] jeff-brooks [dot] com.
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