I hope so.
First – let go of the idea that aspiring to win an award for fundraising is egotistical or being in it for the wrong reasons.
Humor me for a minute.
Imagine you’re the honoree for National Philanthropy Day at your local AFP chapter. There will be 1000 people in your community in attendance to honor you, among others, for your good work – at a fine downtown hotel, of course.
Maybe you’re getting the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser:
The award goes to <your name, board chair of…> who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating and motivating volunteers for major fundraising projects.
Or…Outstanding Fundraising Executive – <your name> who exemplifies leadership that is effective, creative and stimulating with a commitment to the profession through volunteer service and financial support of non-profits organizations.
Here’s my point.
I’m not talking about literally winning an award, necessarily. Although that would be super cool and I highly recommend making it a personal goal.
It’s more about what it means for your community – and you. How many lives would have been changed or saved because of you?
What has been the ripple effect and how will that impact future generations?
I love imagining myself getting such an award.
On the off chance I don’t get one, I hope I’ll have the maturity and wisdom to recognize that I’ve made an important difference with my life… and that’s enough.
That’s what philanthropy is all about. Using your time and resources to make a difference with your life in a way that has meaning for you.
The next time you hear people badmouthing fundraising or you find yourself playing small and resisting asking for money, think about what that’s saying about you.
Are you moving you toward that real or imaginary award?
Or are you moving further away?
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