Episode 43: The Fundraising Narrative: Telling Our Story

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Welcome to BrainTrust Philanthropy Powered by ViTreo! Bringing you free flowing conversations with top leaders in fundraising, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector so that you can become a bolder leader, build better relationships, and raise more money.

We were joined by Ian MacQuillin, Director of international fundraising think tank Rogare; Paula Attfield, President of Stephen Thomas; and Scott Decksheimer, Senior Counsel and Co-founder of ViTreo Group Inc.

The Topic: The Fundraising Narrative: Telling Our Story

SOME OF WHAT YOU WILL HEAR:

  • Fundraising has a perception problem and we’ve been trying to fight it with facts. But it’s not working. Why?

  • The prevailing ideology behind arguments fundraisers must defend against are “volunteerist” (ie. Charities should be small and local; shouldn’t pay fundraisers; and all money raised should go towards the mission)

  • Instead of combating this ideology, we must create our own narrative that is by contrast “professionalist”

  • We need to talk about our calling and chosen profession and be able to easily articulate our pride and belief with conviction, without resorting to being defensive in the face of volunteerist arguments

  • Now that we’ve determined how to tell our story, what do we do next?

  • All this and and so much more!

Please let us know your thoughts below and, if you like what you heard, please share!

EPISODE 43 PANELISTS

Ian MacQuillin

Director
Rogare
London, United Kingdom

Paula Attfield

President
Stephen Thomas Ltd.
Toronto, Ontario

Scott Decksheimer

Senior Counsel & Co-founder
ViTreo Group Inc.
Calgary, Alberta

SHOW NOTES