by Karen Eber Davis

Do You Know the Difference Between Philanthropy, Development & Fundraising?

We use the words philanthropy, development, and fundraising interchangeably. Yet each has a very distinct meaning. Does it matter? Very much. Sloppy language decreases our ability to gain donated income and achieve our missions.

Words matter. Despite the childhood lie that only sticks and stone can hurt you, words can too. More importantly, the right words will help you tremendously.

Here’s a diagram. Post it on your bulletin board and use it to streamline conversations about how your nonprofit can grow donated income. Share it with your board and supporters to help them create more effective action plans that increase revenue. Continue to use it until everyone around you is conversing in a shared fundraising language. Make it your ultimate cheat sheet.

What are philanthropy, development, and fundraising?

1. Philanthropy is helping others by using your personal resources. We all have the potential to be more philanthropic.

We start here:

♥

With support, we grow bigger:

♥

2. Development is the process nonprofits use to help people to grow philanthropically.

♥________________________________________________❯♥

3. Fundraising is a collection of opportunities that nonprofits offer that allow their supporters to express their philanthropic growth. Fundraisers such as your wine and cheese events, are represented below by the symbol “|.”

♥ __|______|_________|_________|_________|_______|___❯♥

Questions:

1. Where do you place yourself on the philanthropic development journey line? Where would you like to be in five years?

2. Where do you hear the three concepts: philanthropy, development, and fundraising used clearly? Where do you hear confusion? How will you grow greater clarity?

3. What development activities do you offer (or might you offer) between your fundraising efforts to grow your supporters’ (staff and board included) philanthropy?

For more on this topic, read Why Your Board Resists Fundraising: Eight Causes & Cures.

For more answers, check out this Nonprofit CEO Library.

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Author

Karen Eber Davis

Karen Eber Davis Consulting guides executive directors and CEOs to generate the resources, boards, and support they need to make remarkable progress on their missions. As the award-winning thought-leader, advisor, and founding principal of Karen Eber Davis Consulting, Karen helps nonprofit leaders get answers, generate revenue, and grow their mission. Davis is known for her innovation and practicality based on her work with or visits to over 1,000 nonprofit organizations and her experience leading board and team events. She is the author of 7 Nonprofit Income Streams and Let's Raise Nonprofit Millions Together.

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Do You Know the Difference Between Philanthropy, Development & Fundraising?

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Do You Know the Difference Between Philanthropy, Development & Fundraising?

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