Hi, I'm Rick Holland, founder and director of Confident Philanthropy, a London-based international consultancy aiming to change the way we think about giving and connecting.
Beginning my career in America, I've worked with global risk, human and animal rights orgs (Sinergia Animal, The Vagina Museum, VeganFTA, for example) and others in the USA, the UK and beyond: developing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to build impactful relationships with key supporters.
I was awarded a CFRE credential in 2005, and I've bloviated in Third Sector, the Morning Call and Medium among other publications, as well as appearing on TV and radio, including KOAT, KOB, Anglia TV, and BBC Radio.
In addition, I have presented at international symposia discussing my two great passions: raising the bar for supporter connection, and the Beatles. Oh yeah, I'm vegan too.
[And although it appears like I'm a complete newbie, I've participated in EA Global and London events since about 2019, and I'd love to learn about what you're working on and how you focus your support.]
Hi @Adam! Good to see you here.
There are lot of things I think we can do better, though I'd add a caveat that my responses here are not generalisations. There are orgs which make a point of doing everything they can to engage donors (EA and non-EA), and there are others which fail to make the easiest of changes.
So we talk about some of things I've experienced, I'd encourage other views and opinions, as well as examples from forum readers.
As I mentioned, this is not an exhaustive list, and some of these are fairly minor points. But overall, I think the more we can a foster a broad mindset, the better we'll do at engaging with non-EA funder. It's not that we're hiding EA, it's that we're more than EA.
EA+ anyone?
Hi @GV
I have mentioned a few of these in my comments after @Adam's post. What's been your experience?
Inside EA, we are great at making a case through research, data, and impact, and traditional non-EA fundraising is known for its emotion-driven asks and responses.
I believe there is a sweet spot somewhere in the middle, but we haven't it yet.
Hi @James and thanks. It's a great point, and it's all about the funding diversification that we are all trying to crack!
I don't think there are any right or wrong answers here, but I wonder if we (collectively) need to open up our EA circles. We want the non-EA funders, what about the other stuff?
So if we talk more broadly about the communities we are building, the spaces we are sharing, the outreach we are doing, with a lens that's wider than just EA, then I think we will do better at getting those funders and donors on board. If we keep talking about EA, then we shouldn't be surprised if our funders are.
I've heard rumours that there are smart, dedicated, impactful, non-EA people out there. Let's work together to find them!
Hi @Tori
With limited funding for animals and a relative handful of funders doing a heck of a lot, this is one of the key questions a lot of us have been trying to answer.
The answer is easy — and hard — in equal measure, I think. We need to do more of what we're already doing: talking about the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Getting into the meetings and conferences and spaces where these funders talk. Creating spaces for orgs and funders to address these issues together.
It's not only about getting to the environmentally-focused funders, but how do we get new funders and donors into our space? I don't have all of those answers, but I'm trying to find out!
Hi @CB🔸,
I don't know enough to recommend any of those options over another, but I'd start with talking with the DAF or the donor. It's possible that your situation isn't the first time they've had to deal with a US-France gift, so I'd start there. Based on that response, we could narrow down the options to identify the ideal one for you.
Hey @AceM, thanks for your question. It sounds like you're being generous and nudging the organisation in a direction where they can ideally raise even more money by leveraging your gift.
Based on what you've described, however, I'd want to ensure that the organisation has the necessary infrastructure to handle a matched contribution. If those systems are in place, that's great...I just don't know.
If those systems are not in place, perhaps your gift could help implement them, so that donors/funders (at all levels) know that their donations are safe, and put to use in impactful ways.
I sounds to be like they need your support, but might not be ready to administer or manage a matching gift programme.
Hi @emmannaemeka! Thanks for your questions -- let me start by saying that for a lot fundraising issues and approaches, there are may not be absolute right and wrong answers. What works for you in your org might not be right for another org, even ones of similar size or cause area.
Hi everyone, and thanks for all the great questions! Fundraising is one of those things that we know we need to do, but we don't necessarily want to do. A lot of times we don't even want to talk about it!
I'd like to thank @Toby for organising the AMA, and I hope that I can be a help.
Not a question as much as a comment and a thank you! I always appreciate learning about donors and what motivates them to give.
We hear a lot about organisational needs -- and how money will be spent -- so it's good to hear about why money is donated.
All the best,
Rick