Every nonprofit leader has heard them. Those well-meaning pieces of advice whispered at networking events, repeated in board meetings, and passed down like fundraising folklore: “Just write a great grant proposal and the money will come.” “People only give during the holidays.” “You need to be friends with wealthy donors first.”
These fundraising myths sound credible enough, and they’re often shared by people with the best intentions. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: believing these misconceptions can sabotage your fundraising efforts, waste precious time and resources, and leave your organization struggling to meet its goals.
The fundraising landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, yet many of these outdated beliefs persist. Social media has transformed how donors discover causes. Generational shifts have changed giving patterns. New research has revealed surprising insights about donor psychology. Meanwhile, organizations continue to make strategic decisions based on assumptions that may have never been true in the first place.
This exploration of the top 10 fundraising myths isn’t about crushing dreams or dismissing traditional wisdom entirely. Instead, it’s about equipping you with evidence-based insights that can transform your approach to donor engagement. We’ll examine why these myths developed, reveal what the data actually shows, and provide practical alternatives that can strengthen your fundraising strategy.
Whether you’re a seasoned development professional or new to nonprofit leadership, understanding these misconceptions could be the key to unlocking your organization’s fundraising potential. Let’s dive into the myths that might be holding you back—and discover what really works in today’s philanthropic world.
- Most of a charity’s revenue is derived from events. Here.
- Oh, you’re a fundraiser? You must’ve studied business at university. Here.
- Eighty percent of the money comes from 20 percent of the people. Here.
- A fundraiser’s tenure with an organization is likely to last for decades. Here.
- Mr. X has money. I’m sure he will support our cause. Here.
- A board can hire a rainmaker as their professional fundraiser and absolve themselves of the fiduciary duty of fundraising. Here.
- Fundraising is a dirty word. Here.
- Fundraising is the same as sales. Here.
- Introducing donors to other charities will hurt my fundraising efforts for my own charity. Here.
- Most donors are businesses. Here.
I have added links to each of the more fulsome articles if you want to learn more about these myths — and how to bust them.
Until next week,
jack
