Fundraising strategy based primarily on the skills from People Raising.

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1. Confront the Fear Factor: Before any outreach, the fundraiser must address their own fears and anxieties about asking for money. This involves recognizing that fundraising is not about begging but about inviting people to partner in a meaningful mission. The mindset shift is from "I'm a burden" to "I'm offering an opportunity for someone to make a difference."
2. Articulate the "Why": Develop a clear, compelling, and concise statement of purpose. This goes beyond a mission statement and tells a story about the impact of the work. It answers the question, "Why should someone care about what we do?" This narrative will be the foundation of all communication.
3. Biblical or Ethical Basis: Dillon's work is rooted in a Christian context, but the principle is universal: ground the fundraising in a strong ethical or moral foundation. This helps the fundraiser believe in the righteousness of their cause and their right to ask for support. It's about serving a higher purpose, not a personal one.

 

Phase 2: Building Your Personal Network

  Dillon's strategy is highly personal and focuses on leveraging existing relationships.

1. Start with "Warm" Contacts: Begin with the people you know and who know you best. This includes family, close friends, colleagues, and members of your personal community (e.g., your church, club, or social group). These individuals are your most likely supporters because they already trust you and are invested in your success.
2. Create a Prospect List: Systematically list out every person you know, regardless of their financial status. The goal is to be comprehensive. Categorize these contacts based on the strength of the relationship and their potential interest in your work. This is not about judging their ability to give, but about prioritizing who you will contact first.
3. Prioritize and Research: Once the list is created, prioritize it. The highest priority contacts are those with whom you have a strong, trusting relationship. For each of these individuals, make a note of why they might be interested in your mission. What are their passions? What causes do they care about? This helps you personalize your approach.

 

Phase 3: The Relational Approach to Asking

  This is the most critical phase, where you move from building relationships to making the direct ask.

1. Set the Appointment: The "People Raising" method emphasizes face-to-face or phone conversations over mass emails or letters. The goal is to connect personally. Contact your prioritized list and schedule a meeting with them, framing it as an opportunity to share something important about your work. This is not a "cold call" but an invitation to a conversation.
2. Conduct the Visit: During the visit, the focus is on the relationship and the mission, not the money. The conversation should follow a structured but natural flow:
   • Listen first: Start by listening to their story and building rapport.
   • Share your vision: Clearly and passionately articulate your mission and its impact. Use stories and specific examples to make the vision come alive.
   • Make the Ask: After you've shared your vision, make a direct and specific ask. Be clear about the amount you need and what it will accomplish. For example, "We are looking for partners to help us reach our goal of X. Would you consider giving a gift of Y to help us achieve this?"
   • Give them time to decide: Do not pressure them for an immediate answer. Let them know it's a decision they should make with thought.
3. Follow Up and Thank You: Regardless of the outcome, follow up with a thank-you note. If they donate, send a personalized, heartfelt thank-you as soon as possible. If they do not, thank them for their time and interest and keep them on your mailing list for future updates. The relationship is the primary goal, and it must be nurtured regardless of their ability to give at that moment.

Sample Answer

            Based on the principles outlined in William Dillon's "People Raising," a fundraising strategy should be fundamentally relational and centered on building a network of committed partners, not just soliciting donations. The core philosophy is that fundraising is about "raising people," not just money, and that the funds will follow the relationships. Here is a fundraising strategy developed with the "People Raising" approach:  

Phase 1: Cultivating the Right Mindset and Foundation

  The first step, according to Dillon, is to address the internal "fear factor" and establish a solid philosophical and spiritual foundation. This is critical for overcoming hesitation and approaching fundraising with confidence.