“I Don’t Know How You Do It!”

As a fundraiser I often have people say to me, “I don’t know how you do it,” or “I could never do what you do.” It’s tempting to interpret these comments as expressions of amazement at my ability to garner support for the great work we do here at St. Anthony’s. What I’ve found of late however is that they usually mean quite the opposite—rather than being amazed at what I do, they’re repulsed by it. Fundraising in their view means getting money out of people. It’s “hitting up your friends” for donations; it’s back room deals for corporate sponsorships or working the room at social events. When they look at what I do, they say “I don’t know how you can do what you do—I couldn’t bring myself to do that.”

Unfortunately this assessment of fundraising is a reaction to an approach to development characterized by slick efforts to convince people to give to a cause out of guilt, pity or fear. At its heart, this is fundraising without vision. Fundraising without vision presumes resistance on the part of potential donors that must be overcome by tricks of the trade—inventive ploys to get people to give despite themselves.

There is a different way to raise funds. Fundraising that appeals, not to giving out of obligation, but to giving as opportunity. Fundamentally fundraising is not about coercion, but invitation. This would be fundraising with vision.

At St. Anthony’s our mission is to feed, heal, clothe and raise the spirits of the poor and homeless. This work is inspired by a vision that sees the inherent dignity of our guests and seeks to give opportunities to people to change their lives.

Fundraising inspired by this vision means treating potential donors and volunteers with the same respect. We believe that there are people who share our vision and who seek opportunities to join in this work. Our task is to extend the invitation.

At the heart of our fundraising efforts is a Franciscan appreciation of God’s abundant love. That abundance overflows into our lives and seeks ways to touch the lives of others. This means that all we have is gift, and that our gifts are fulfilled only as they are shared with others.

Fundraising guided by this vision cannot be about trickery or guilt or bluster. It’s simply that very divinely human act of inviting others to realize their deepest desires, to share in a common vision.

That’s why I do what I do.

Barry Stenger is St. Anthony Foundation’s Director of Development and Outreach.