Summer Camp fundraising is an opportunity that brings mutual joy
“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
There are few words in a Camp Pro’s vocabulary that strike fear quite like “fundraising”. (Some of you just died a little inside). We are taught from a young age not to talk about money, and certainly not to ask for it.
I have great news – fundraising is not asking for money. Hear me out on this one. Fundraising is not asking for money. It is offering an opportunity that brings mutual joy.
I know, that sounds like hogwash. But, think about it this way: if you were out in the community and you hear someone with a beautiful singing voice strolling along, you might, if you were brave, invite them to join the area choir with you. Extend an invitation to use their talents (or gifts) in a way that brings joy to them and joy to the community, who get to listen.
That is what fundraising is. Plain and simple.
We are inviting people with financial gifts to share their gifts in a way that brings joy to them and joy to your organization.
Funders give to things about which they are passionate.
Funding a passion brings joy to the giver. Find the passion, find the joy, secure the gift.
Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Start with your existing list of supporters. Identify a few people that you could invite to a conversation. If you don’t have a list, start with one person. One person who has linkage to your organization, interest in its success, and the ability to give. Here’s a hint: almost everyone has the ability to give.
Step 2: Call the person. This is where the 20 seconds of insane courage comes in. Pick up the phone. Dial their number. Ask to meet to discuss what is going on at camp. Tell them that you want to ask them to consider a gift. Make the appointment. Great news: if they agreed to meet, you are more than halfway there. Save the last five seconds of courage for later.
Step 3: Keep the meeting. Only cancel under one of the following circumstances: you personally lose more than 8 quarts of blood, a sinkhole swallows camp, you are attacked by a pack of 35 rabid kangaroos, or you are invited to speak at a convention for llamas with restless leg syndrome.
When the meeting begins, confirm the amount of time your donor has and, of course, thank them for coming.
This is the part where you share your passions for what is happening at camp and how they can be a part of it. Make the ask and then stop talking. Use the other five seconds of bravery. Say nothing. This is the hardest part. Do not speak again until after the donor does. Give them a chance to respond. These five seconds will feel like 27 years. Just be quiet. The donor will respond with a yes, a no, or a maybe.
If you get a yes, great! Happy dance (in your head for now). Make sure to thank the donor immediately and follow-up with a Thank-You note within 48 hours.
Remember that an immediate “Yes” could mean that you didn’t ask for enough (but that is a different blog post).
If you get a no, it might really be a not right now.
if you can revisit at another time. Continue to build the relationship with the donor.
Most importantly, try to remember that a no from a donor is not a personal rejection or a failure on your part. That is post-graduate level adult-ing. People say no for lots of reasons, none of them are about you.
If you get a maybe, settle in for a longer wait. Ask the donor when you can meet again.
That’s it. You did it! Like most things, it gets easier with practice. You’ve got this.
Go get ‘em, you fabulous joy bringer!
~ Heather
Travis’ Note
We want to thank Heather Withrow, President at Jumonville Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, for sharing her expertise with us. You’re good people, Heather!
