People donate to a cause because they believe in the charitable mission. If only it were that simple to raise much needed charitable funds. When it comes to raising funds for a charity, as to who is responsible for this task can often be a loaded question. Yet, there is only one correct answer – everyone! All charity employees, all volunteers, all board members, all clinicians who receive research grants, all beneficiaries of the charitable goods and act; everyone is responsible for fundraising.
But does this also mean that all these people are engaged in the everyday activity of directly raising funds for the charity? No, it does not. So, what exactly does it mean?
Without funds, a charity cannot deliver upon its mandate. Ultimately, it will mean a reduction in support and service programs for the vulnerable, an inability to fund research and a vastly reduced platform for advocacy – leading to a cessation in operations.
A well-run charity, like Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, employs professional fundraisers. Fundraising is also embedded into all employee positions descriptions and the board culture. Financials are discussed not only at the board level, but also among the team at an operational level. Everybody understands exactly what is required and what funds need to be raised to deliver upon vision and mission.
Even so, at Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, if you ask our community, our board, and our clinicians, “Who is responsible for fundraising?” they will be quick to nominate the people employed as fundraisers by the charity.
We need to change the way people think about fundraising. Many people do not really understand how they can be a fundraiser – they want to help, but they are uncomfortable when it comes to making a traditional “ask”. That is because they think about the “asking” rather than sharing what the donation could deliver to those who need it most.
People give to people – people want to support a charity when they know that the charity makes an impact to the lives of a person that they know and care about. When you share your personal story about why you support Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, when you talk about the difference the charity has made to your life and to the people you care about – you are in fact, helping Cystic Fibrosis Queensland to raise funds. You are creating goodwill and advocating for our cause.
More often than not, people are not aware of all the possibilities available to them to reach out to others and to encourage them to provide financial support for the services they value and in many cases they have actually been a direct recipient or participant in the charity’s programs.
People trust people – based on your personal story and recommendation, people will feel comfortable and assured when they donate to Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, they are donating to a charity which delivers impact and is accountable to its members.
Fundraising is everyone’s business – now more than ever, Cystic Fibrosis Queensland needs your help and support to meet our fundraising targets and to deliver upon our mission not just today, but also for tomorrow.
If you would like to know how you can help, connect with our fundraising team, fundraising@cfqld.org.au
