September 28, 2024

Do You Know the Difference Between Philanthropy, Development, and Fundraising?

In the nonprofit world, we often use philanthropy, development, and fundraising interchangeably. But they’re not the same.

And, yes, words matter. There’s a big difference between the terms. Understanding the difference can shift how you raise money, talk to your board, and lead your organization toward long-term revenue growth. It can help you to get your board engaged in raising money they’re philanthropist and they love helping others to give.
This post breaks down philanthropy, development, and fundraising so your team can speak a shared language—one that leads to smarter a income strategy and more consistent income.
Here’s a picture. Post it on your bulletin board and use it to streamline conversations about how your nonprofit can grow donated income. Share it with your board and supporters to help them create more effective action plans that increase revenue. Continue to use it until everyone around you is conversing in a shared fundraising language.
Make it your  cheat sheet.

What are philanthropy, development, and fundraising?

1. Philanthropy is helping others by using your personal resources. We all have the potential to be more philanthropic.
We start here:

With support, we grow bigger:

Example: As a child, George gave part of his allowance to charity because his parents encouraged it. As an adult, George gives to nonprofits because his employer matches donations—and his boss leads by example.


2. Development is the process nonprofits use to help people to grow philanthropically.

♥________________________________________________❯

Example: George is invited to sit at his boss’s table during a gala. He learns about a mission that resonates and makes a meaningful gift that evening.

3. Fundraising is a collection of opportunities that nonprofits offer that allow their supporters to express their philanthropic growth. Fundraisers such as your wine and cheese events, are represented below by the symbol “|.”

♥ __|______|_________|_________|_________|_______|___❯

Example: George receives a thank you note for his gift. In a month, he is invited to tour the organization. He attends but he declines to make a gift that day. He passes on attending a wine and cheese event but the week after it, , he signs up to be monthly donor.

Ask Yourself (and Your Board and Staff) 

1. Where do you place yourself on the philanthropic development journey line? Where would you like to be in five years?

2. Where do you hear the three concepts: philanthropy, development, and fundraising used clearly? Where do you hear confusion? How will you grow greater clarity in those around you?

3. What development activities do you offer (or might you offer) between your fundraising efforts to grow your supporters’ philanthropy?

Want more clarity like this?

 

Author
Karen Eber Davis

Karen Eber Davis is a nonprofit strategic planning consultant who works with visionary leaders committed to taking their organizations to new heights. She offers customized strategies, assessments, and coaching designed to help leaders lead their organizations to achieve their potential. She is the author of 7 Nonprofit Income Streams and Let's Raise Nonprofit Millions Together.

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