How Fundraising Builds Character
By: Debbie Hohman
All across the country, there are schools and nonprofits in need of additional funds. Unless blessed by a generous benefactor, these groups are constantly looking for fundraising opportunities. Fundraising puts millions of dollars into the coffers of nonprofits every year, but it somehow still comes off as being a "necessary evil."
This article hopefully will give a different perspective of fundraising that acknowledges fundraising as absolutely necessary but far from evil in many ways.
As a Brownie Scout, I proudly sold Girl Scout Cookies door to door for 75 cents a box. In the years that followed, I sold wrapping paper from catalogs, calendars, candles in glittery glass, cartons of fruit, and even cleaning solution – my Mom loved that stuff. In addition to product sales, we had car washes, rummage sales, walks, dances, and numerous other events. As a parent, I could go through a vast list of fundraisers my daughters have experienced, and I'm sure you could make a similar list. The need for fundraising is nothing new; it is an important tool to support the groups in which we participate.
Therefore, let's consider how we can change our attitude of fundraising from something we have to do into what benefits we can reap from the experience of raising funds. I would propose that fundraising is an opportunity to build character and a positive work ethic. When properly implemented, a fundraiser can strengthen the following skills: organization, communication, leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal. These are valuable lessons that prepare individuals for a lifetime of success.
Involving the members of your group in deciding what fundraiser to choose has the additional potential to develop skills, but that is an article for another day. We are going to assume there is a product to be sold, a start date, and an end date. A financial goal for the group should be established in the fundraising decision-making process, a timeline should be established, and rewards for high achievers should be provided. Each individual walks away from the kickoff with a brochure or packet, a personal goal, and a job to accomplish. And so it begins!
Taking responsibility for personal property is a task that requires practice and builds organizational skills. Each participant has the responsibility of keeping up with the brochure they have been given, remembering the timeline, securing the money collected, and reaching their goal. If we allow and even encourage each participant to take ownership of this task, we are giving them an opportunity to mature in organizational skills.
Developing communication skills can be painfully difficult for some but as easy as walking for others. Face-to-face sales are a great opportunity to practice this skill that has lifetime benefits. It begins with an introduction and clearly expressing the reason for this contact. A presentation of the fundraising product should follow, then asking for the sale. Good manners and maintaining respectful eye contact are keys to a successful sales presentation.
These valuable communication skills that don't come naturally to most individuals and can only be strengthened through practice. Parents can and should be willing to sell a portion of the fundraising products; however, if they do all the work, they are robbing the student of the opportunity to develop clarity in their speech, which ultimately builds self confidence.
Each participant works individually for the benefit of the group. Leadership involves sacrifice for the good of the team and that is the perspective that will reap character.
Finally, let's explore the value of healthy interpersonal skills that fundraising can help develop. You may be asked to sell a product that was not your first choice – how do you handle that? In addition, are you prepared to face rejection? We are called to live in the communities of family, church, school, city, state, political party, etc. It is never too early to learn that cooperation and disappointment are part of life. Leaders will emerge, followers are no less valuable, communication is essential, and a reliable donor may decide to not to place an order. A healthy attitude accepts the strengths and decisions of others and moves forward.
How we respond to challenges and disappointments is a reflection of our character. Let's use every opportunity we have, even fundraising, to build character.
Debbie Hohman is vice president of School Spirit Coffee, Inc., www.schoolspiritcoffee.com.
