First things First 2

Owning the Profession

The second aspect of a successful fundraiser or a fundraising department is a strong commitment to the profession. Much has been written about the benefit of professional organizations have in the fundraising mix, and it is sad when people always seem to put into the category of ‘What do I get out of it?’ style of question. As a career choice I have been tremendously fortunate in to a degree in that I am able to choose what I do. Possibly from many years of experience but also because I look at my career as an active choice. I am not a fundraiser because it is the best paid job in the world. I am not a fundraiser because I love the sound of the Ching-Ching of the cash register, It s because I am committed to my organizations goals and I am committed to my profession. There are many organizations who actually run on donated funds and without our profession would not be able to be of benefit in the community.
So for me the two prongs of for future education is a passion for the profession and a deeper commitment to the organization. If you can put those two things in place then your career will take on a new dimension and your fundraising will become more effective.