We Are All Called To Be Vincentian Fundraisers
“I didn’t join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to become a fundraiser.”
“I don’t know how to fundraise, and I thought we hired people who already do that.”
“I don’t like asking people for money.”
I hear these comments quite often when I speak to Vincentians around the country about raising money for their respective Conference and/or Council. In fact, I have said these words myself – many times. As an accountant, I’ve always preferred budgets to conversations, especially when those conversations involve asking for money. The thought of approaching someone with a fundraising request made me anxious and reserved.
Then, now years ago, I heard our former National President, Gene Smith, lead a training session on Vincentian fundraising. While I don’t remember everything Gene shared with us that day (I apologize, Gene) I clearly remember two transformative lessons:
- St. Vincent de Paul was a fundraiser.
- Each of us, by virtue of the fact that we have accepted God’s calling to be a Vincentian, is continuing Vincent’s enduring legacy of charity and love.
Gene made it very clear that afternoon – We are called to be fundraisers. Every one of us.
So, what exactly does it mean to be a fundraiser, and more importantly, what is it I am supposed to do? I’d like to share a few thoughts gleaned from over the years.
At the outset I wish to note, with all due respect to universities and organizations that offer degrees and certificates in fundraising, you do not need one. Honestly, you do NOT need any formal designation or training to be an effective fundraiser for your Conference and/or Council. Instead, it is important to remember three things we all MUST DO in our roles as Vincentians.
First: Tell stories about SVdP. Tell your family. Tell your friends. Tell colleagues, neighbors, work associates, everyone you know. Tell them about the extraordinary work taking place in your Conference.
Tell them about the 30-year-old single mother clutching her children’s hands as she anxiously watches the clock tick down to eviction, and how tears streamed down her face as she whispers “I don’t know where we’ll go.” Tell them how the Vincentians stepped in and paid her overdue rent and utility bills, and how the relief in her voice was palpable when she said, “You saved my family. My children get to stay in their school, and tonight, we have a home.”
Tell them about the 75-year-old Vietnam veteran sitting alone at his kitchen table, the cupboards nearly empty. Tell the how when Vincentians arrived with a food box, gas voucher, and grocery store gift card, he smiled through tears and said, “I didn’t think anyone remembered me. Thank you for treating me like family.” Tell them how you will check on him next month to ensure he has support.
Tell them about the father who was recently laid off after 17 years working for the same company and how his wife started working two jobs cleaning office buildings and homes to pay the bills. Talk about how the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provided financial assistance and moral support so the family did not lose their apartment during this arduous time. Tell them how the father shared, “Those months were the hardest we’ve ever faced, but you gave us hope. Now I’m back at work and our family is okay.”
Each of your stories remind us that those whom we serve are not strangers. They are our neighbors created in the image and likeness of God.
Second: Ask people to support our efforts. A survey conducted by Arizona State University found that the number one reason people donated to an organization was because they were asked by someone they know well. This ranked higher than volunteering at an organization, higher than reading or hearing a news story about an organization, higher than being asked by clergy to give (little did you know you have more power than your parish priest), higher than seeing a TV commercial, or receiving a solicitation in the mail, email, or by phone. The inverse is also true: when people were asked why they did not support an organization, they often noted they were never asked.
When we ask someone for a donation what we are really doing is giving them the opportunity to experience the joy and the grace that comes from giving. We are asking on behalf of others, those less fortunate, and in doing so we become the voice of God’s poor.
Third: Say Thank You. And Thank You. And Thank You. And…. Letting people know that “They” made a real difference in the life of someone; that “Their” gift prevented a family from becoming homeless; that “Their” gift meant a veteran will not lose his apartment; that “Their” gift ensured a family had a nourishing meal and food in the pantry.
An unexpected handwritten note a few weeks AND a few months after someone’s gift, telling them the real difference they are making in the lives of our neighbors, brings joy and meaning to the life of the donor. It is your gift back to them – but only if it is personalized. A blast email to numerous people does not count. That’s what other organizations often do. Personalized communications tell the donor just how important “They” are to our mission and that “They” are the ones who make possible the critical work we do as Vincentians.
When our donors begin to refer to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as “We” and “Us” instead of “They” and “Them”—when they repeat the stories we share with them—then we will know we are doing our job well. And, that Vincent is smiling, along with Frédéric and Louise and Rosalie—all of whom are proud of us.
It’s true that sometimes people will decline our requests. That’s okay—asking is never wasted. What I have experienced over the years is that often, at a later date, maybe at Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or year-end, or just with the passage of time, along comes a donation to further our efforts from the person who had previously said no. Come Holy Spirit!
Ultimately, the most important skill in fundraising isn’t technical expertise. It’s authentic passion for our stories, and the courage to share them, followed simply by: “Would you be willing to support our life-changing ministry?”
While we may never be “officially” canonized by the Catholic Church, wouldn’t it be wonderful if St. Vincent de Paul were standing next to St. Peter when we approach the gates of Heaven and to hear him say:
“______ is a Vincentian. She not only did home visits to assist those less fortunate, but she also helped to raise money for the Society. I would like to escort her into Heaven.”
St. Vincent de Paul was a fundraiser—and so are YOU.
Steve Zabilski is a vice president of the SVDP National Board of Directors. He can be reached at szabilski@svdpusa.org