Trend or Fad in Fundraising?

Article by Larry Johnson at The Eight Principles

Lots of new things are appearing on the fundraising scene. The trick is to know whether it’s a trend or a fad.

A fad is popular because it’s popular. It’s crashing onto the scene and creating quite a buzz. Our friends are into it. That’s part of the excitement, after all.

Think ice-bucket challenge. After it’s initial viral success, every nonprofit wanted to get in on the act. Numerous articles appeared on “Seeking the Next Ice Bucket Challenge.” Fads don’t repeat, no matter how hard you try.

A trend does something different, however. It satisfies a different need. It’s not a momentary rush. It’s a tool. Momentum becomes power and power becomes change. A trend becomes more valuable as people commit to be a part of it.

Think texting to give. True, it may have started as a fad, but it’s definitely a trend. The initial rush is over but it’s growing. As more and more people use this method, its power grows; its ability to create a new reality gets stronger.

The trend that is texting-to-give creates a new way for people to connect. To be a part of something bigger than themselves.

That’s what you should look for. Something that connects, not simply delights. After all, fundraising is about people, not money. Go with the trend. Forget the fads.

Now that’s a sustainable fundraising idea.

Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.

Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.

Larry is the author of the award-wining book, “The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising.” He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.

Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.