Raising funds for good causes is a noble thing to do. I mean being a fundraiser and actually asking for monies is a noble thing to do. There are many nonprofit leaders who task others to raise funds and would rather not do the ask themselves. As a fundraiser, I see myself as a facilitator between a cause (need/want) and people with the means and perhaps interest to support the cause.
When I attended the Development Director Certificate Program at the University of San Francisco in the early ’90, I was taught that there are several “types” of fundraisers. Some people would see fundraising as a professional job and do it regardless of the cause. Others would care deeply about the cause and try to raise funds because of the pressing issue. Obviously, nobody is just one or the other, but the point can be made that there are “professionals” dedicated to their industry and “laymen” dedicated to their cause.
Would it not be great for you to find and hire a professional dedicated to this industry and your cause?
I am recently being reminded by books like M. Sandel’s on Justice, that America is a country affording people choices in terms of what “goods” to pursue. The country does not impose on its citizens a fixed set of virtues to live up to. I thank America for that because I grew up in a country (Germany) that once tried to do that and with rather severe consequences.
Causes and virtues are inextricably intertwined with each other. Causes – in some respect – promote, uphold and honor certain virtues. Thus, philanthropy may be a vital venue for a renewed discussion of virtues, if not only to balance the amorality of the ever-dominant market place and the slightly coercive nature of the government in our lives.
Thumbs up for philanthropy!
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