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Dr. James explains why identifying with others is so powerful in a donor’s hero story

iMarketSmart

Effective fundraising starts with identity. Compelling fundraising story connects the donation story with the donor’s story. In fundraising, identifying with others is powerful. Natural origins of giving: I am like them Altruism means I give away something valuable to help another. It helps you, but it costs me.

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Time To Celebrate: Nov. 15th Is National Philanthropy Day

Bloomerang

See hashtag #NationalPhilanthropyDay National Philanthropy Day in the United States dates back to the 1980s when it was conceived by Douglas Freeman, a professional fundraiser. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) played a significant role in promoting and organizing National Philanthropy Day activities.

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The importance of expressing impact and gratitude in fundraising

iMarketSmart

The “one big thing” in fundraising is this: Advance the donor’s hero story. Biologists model reciprocal altruism with a game.[1] But it helps the other player more than it costs. In the game, expressing desire for a social, helpful-reciprocity relationship is meaningful. In fundraising, the same rules apply.

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Dr. James explains why sustainable giving starts by answering, “Do we have a shared future?”

iMarketSmart

Without this, reciprocal altruism fails. Capacity for reciprocity in nature: Strangers vs. neighbors In nature, reciprocal altruism starts with the same question: Do we have a shared future? (In Without this shared future, reciprocal helping disappears. Reciprocal altruism starts with this question: Do we have a shared future?

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Dr. James Explains How Asking Permission Sets the Stage for “The Ask”

iMarketSmart

More time can help. More time can help. People tend to predict they will help. This prediction is higher than the actual help they would have given if asked immediately. Getting people to first predict their actions increases helping. 15] This also happens in fundraising. They can require more thought.

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How transactional donor relationships kill generosity

iMarketSmart

In a scale, it might look like this: Helpful reciprocity Loved one (lover, spouse, close family) Friend Teammate Colleague Neighbor Community member Transactional reciprocity Customer Merchant Stranger Harmful reciprocity Competitor Enemy Relationship signals are reciprocity signals. This is nothing new in fundraising advice.

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The Power of Heroic Philanthropy: Understanding Donor Motivations

iMarketSmart

Now, it’s time to get back to the “one big thing” in fundraising: Advance the donor’s hero story. In time of need, a friend would help. This happened even if the help could never be fully paid back. Getting unconditional help in a crisis is great. This is different than helping those who aren’t in peril.