Development and Fundraising
Often, I find the terms fundraising and development in regards to philanthropy used interchangeably. In the dictionary you might find fundraising described as ‘the organized activity of raising funds.’ And development might be described as ‘ the act, process, or result of developing.’ To me development is relationship building and creating strategic alliances. Whereas fundraising covers events like auctions, walk-a-thons and festivals where funds are actively sought. Many non-profits focus and spend much of their energy on fundraising with many hours of labor spent organizing and setting things up. Often the more strategic work of developing and nurturing key donors and attracting significant grants is neglected. When is the last time you have been courted as a significant donor by an organization you support significantly? You might object by pointing out that we are in difficult times. Yes, that’s true, but I find that especially in meaningful times people will give where it matters most. What do you think?
