Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/defining-your-constituency-circles-of-support/5011363/
During a job interview, I was once asked how I liked being a professional beggar. The image of fund raising as panhandling permeates our world, yet it couldn't be farther from the truth. A beggar offers nothing in return for your support. A fund raiser offers concerned constituents an opportunity to invest in a cause. Chances are, a beggar won't ask you whether you'd prefer your loose change to support food purchases or bus tokens. A successful fund raiser works with donors to make sure mutual needs are met. When was the last time you received a thank you note, annual report, or donor newsletter with a return address of "corner of 7th and Main"? A fund raiser recognizes the importance of cultivating relationships, not simply to ensure a repeat gift, but rather as an acknowledgment of the donor's interest in and concern for the organization.The constituency from which our donors are drawn is one of our most valuable organizational resources. By taking the time to properly identify and clarify who your constituents are, fund raising efforts can be maximized. A model called "constituency circles" has been developed by The Fund Raising School Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. The following ...