Cultivate. Ask. Thank. Repeat.

“Don’t Whine” in a Tough Economy.  That’s the title of an article at the Chronicle of Philanthropy site.  Writer Debra Blum writes about a talk given by Reynold Levy at a meeting of the Independent Sector.

If you’re worried about raising money in these economic times, you should really take heed of Levy’s words.

“Great fundraisers don’t whine about the economy,” he said. “They believe in Noah’s principle: No more credit for predicting rain. Credit only for building arks.”  He goes on to talk about the need for strengthening Boards with people who are willing to make Asks and the need to ask for money often.

I completely agree.  If we as fundraisers sit around and moan about the state of the world, we are obviously NOT doing the work we should be doing in the first place -asking donors for gift.  I think it’s essential that we not buy into the doom and gloom.  Stay focused on what is possible.  There are plenty of people who still have discretionary income. 

Just keep cultivating donors and giving them the chance to give.