Bank robbing for zoos…?
Or, ‘Why not just ask for the money?’
Fundraisers are fond of a story about John Dillinger, who, when asked “Why he robbed banks…?“, replied “Because that is where the money is” (…except, it wasn’t Dillinger, but Willy Sutton, relatively unknown in Europe, ).
The point is that many fundraising programme ignore the possibility of just asking for donations from affluent individuals, and focus more on elusive corporate sponsorship or public collections. More giving to good causes actually comes from private pockets by far than from business. Making a marketing case to support a sponsorship proposal and then having it screened by a committee of business figures each with their own agenda is climbing the North Face of the Eiger compared with a ‘ major gifts’ strategy.
So why doesn’t it happen more for European zoo projects? Because it is embarassing? Because we want the giving opportunity to be democratic? Because we don’t know where to start?
Well, learn the science from the published works of the established authorities ( we are gradually developing a longer bibliography on Johnreganassociates.com ). But a good start would be to find a champion volunteer ’asker’ who will ask for you. If the project is just the physical development of your zoo ( and why not?), you may need to restrict matters to your local geography, where people will have grown up with affectionate memories of visits. If it is some global conservation issue you are addressing, then set up ‘your temporarly stall’ in the biggest economic centre you can find. The number of mega-rich individuals in London is climbing all the time.
Remember two things:
1. All you need to do is persuade one wealthy person that your cause is worthwhile
2. You are not asking for yourself, but for a great cause ( if not, just don’t do it). Reticence on your part is not ‘good breeding’, it is just ‘cold feet’
Or, am I talking nonsense…? Let me know
John
check the website for free external funding resources;: johnreganassociates.com
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