A Different Angle

Sometimes we need to look at things from a different angle.

Almost two hours with the fundraisers at United Way reinforced Dick’s “Observations from the Front Lines” that we must “listen to the needs and share customer stories of situations where our solution filled their need and benefited the customer.”

Is a non-profit really capable of fulfilling the needs of its corporate donors (the “customer”)? You bet, and non-profits really need to focus on these needs in order to increase donations.

Even in a “down” economy, many corporations see the connection between giving back to their communities and increased revenue. Fundraisers should be telling these stories.

When we started we asked “why is United Way important?” and heard things like “efficiently do the most good” and “make a difference.” At the end we were hearing “more value for the philanthropic dollar” and “maximizing the impact of donations.” Much better angles!