Professional fundraisers 'irritate' major donors

Fundraising | Gareth Jones | 11 Apr 2008

"Professional fundraising is irritating to more people than you know," publisher and poet Felix Dennis, told delegates at the Raising Funds from the Rich conference, hosted by Action Planning in October.

Speaking as a wealthy individual who is an established target for fundraisers, he said that simplicity is often the key, citing a handwritten letter he received from newsreader Jon Snow as more effective than standard marketing material. "There is growing antipathy in the nation towards the sheer professionalism of charities in this country," he argued, adding that "passion only succeeds in irritating the intended target".

However, Lord Joffe, former chairman of Oxfam and the Giving Campaign, disagreed in a subsequent panel discussion. "My view is that passion and professionalism are tremendously important," he said, adding that while donors may be irritated by the volume of requests that come their way these factors would not affect their decision to give in the long run.

Among other tips Dennis offered was the need for a thick skin, saying "rich people's rudeness comes with the territory, ignore it. They will almost certainly say no at first, but in this instance it means 'tell me more'."

Who's Who: Gareth Jones

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