Stay with me on this.
Of course, you can’t expect to get money out of a piggy bank unless you first make deposits. That framework has resulted in positive outcomes for eons.
That’s why you should treat your supporters like piggy banks!
You, the fundraiser, must make deposits first.
In other words, you need to be the one to give to your supporters first before you can expect to receive.
Giving makes your supporters feel good.
It builds trust and it activates the law of reciprocity.
And besides, it’s fair.
So why not give to your supporters as much as you can? I bet you’ll be amazed at the results.
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Perhaps I’m missing something, but I’ve never been able to withdraw from an ATM which didn’t first require deposits made to an account from which it can draw on, so I guess I’m not quite sure how the piggy bank vs. ATM analogy is meant to distinguish a difference, but I do agree with your concern that we must first invest/make deposits in those from whom we hope for some ROI. I don’t know what that looks like for most, but for me, where the rubber meets the road with donors is being transparent and perhaps even a bit vulnerable in sharing about who I am – my background, my family, my passion for my charity, my shortcomings, and of course my desire for them to be part of the exciting progress we’re making with an invitation for them to come along for the ride.
Yeah… maybe this isn’t one of my best analogies. But, two thumbs up to you David for making the rubber meet the road the right way!