Smartideas

The more things change, the more they stay the same

I was wondering who might have created the first survey ever. 
My search led me to Charles the Great, the “Father of Europe.” Apparently, in AD 771, he created what might have been the first survey to help him understand his own kingdom.
Interestingly, he was searching for answers to questions we still struggle with today. I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same. 
Here are some of his questions:

  • Why are so many men refusing to join the military service to defend the borders of the realm?
  • Why are there so many disputes in the kingdom with one party attempting to take the property of another?
  • Why are people refusing to offer refugees shelter?

Are you using surveys to help answer questions with which you struggle? 
Surveys help nonprofits understand their donors (especially their major donors and planned gift donors). They also help fundraisers zero-in on the best prospects.
Here’s an ad we created for our little invention (SurveyGiftmaker) to inspire fundraisers to see for themselves why surveys are the most powerful way to generate major gifts and legacy gifts at very low cost.

 

Related Posts:

>>The History of Philanthropy
>>Top 10 Reasons Why Donors Like Taking Surveys

Greg Warner

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