Authenticity: keeping it real in fundraising By Zoe Bunter

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Being wholly present in our work For we are God’s handiwork,  created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10, NIV Who we are (God’s handiwork/masterpiece), who we are in (Jesus Christ) and what we do (fundraising) are inextricably linked!

The foundation of raising money is relationship Two-way: Trust Communication Openness & vulnerability Honesty Commitment Respect Empathy & understanding

You can’t build a relationship with a donor if you don’t… Communicate with them – encourage 2-way communication Listen to them (and comply!) Be honest with them (especially when things go wrong or you’ve messed up!) Respect them & their wishes Be open with them – be yourself!

A supporter communication pyramid Face to Face Telephone Not on headed paper? Handwritten? Real stamps – not franked Personal card/letter/filmed message emailed to supporter A real sending address Refer to a personal detail in the email text Personal email Mass communications – letter, email

Who is it easier to get to know? The Fundraising Officer at ‘Homeless Action’ in Blackpool Sally, who is in her late-40’s. She is passionate about the church helping people who are homeless. She lives alone with her Labrador, Benny. She loves country walks with Benny, and he loves coming into the office with her. Sally is the Fundraising Officer at a Blackpool-based charity called ‘Homeless Action’.

Be open, be yourself, be a human-being To be honest, when I first met Anthony I felt a bit afraid. He was disheveled and smelly, and his eyes were darting around the room. I didn’t know where to look… Supporter Survey …but first let me tell you a bit about me…

A word to the wise… Authenticity in fundraising means being human and professional. Don’t forget what your job is! Watch your boundaries – be comfortable with what you reveal about yourself and your life. Fundraisers are not all the same, and neither are supporters. Respect the wishes of the supporter.

What you are doing You trusting your supporter Your supporter can trust you Relationship Relationship You being open Your supporter can be open with you

Our charity needs to look professional! There’s a difference between wanting to BE professional, and wanting to LOOK professional Bigger isn’t necessarily better Keep your faith at the centre Relationships enable you to express your organisation more fully Don’t pretend you are something you are not!

Thank you About me! www.zoebunter.com Questions, thoughts, ideas… For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10, NIV