I just read an excerpt from an interview with Charles Bronfman, a noted Jewish philanthropist. He makes the point that while the Jewish community in the U.S. has created a wonderful program to build new leadership (Birthright Israel) by sending young people on an educational mission to Israel, when they return they tend to stay away from the Jewish Federations that are trying to create the new leadership.Why are they staying away from the Federations? He says its because, "when Birthright participants seek to become active with the federations, “they are usually given a list of names and told to solicit, because that’s what the federations focus on - getting money.”"
I've always believed (and when I was involved with the Federation it's what they preached) that involvement comes before giving which comes before asking. If the first thing you ask someone to do when they return from an exciting mission is to solicit gifts, my guess is they'll run for the hills. But, if you provide them with a level of involvement in the activities of the federation first - serve on a committee or task force, or attend several lectures of interest - they'll be much more likely to make their own gift commitment. Once they've invested their own funds, they'll be much more interested in asking others to join them.
Someone once told me, "If you ask someone for money, you'll get advice. But if you ask them for advice, the money will follow." I have always found this to be true. If you need help figuring out how to get someone involved - to develop prospect strategies - give me a call.
