Jason over at asmallchange.net questions whether fundraisers should treat all donors, regardless of gift size, as major donors.

Here’s my take - in an ideal world - yes. Unfortunately, that nasty real world keeps holding us up. We all operate with limits resources - time, money, people, and desire. Once these are factored in - the debate becomes an academic exercise.

It got me thinking though. What if you were handed the keys to the kingdom - unlimited time, unlimited money, and unlimited people to cultivate donors. Suppose a big, white rabbit walked into your office and offered to stop your clock? You could do whatever you wanted, for as long as you wanted. And when you’d had enough, the rabbit would kickstart your clock again but no time will have passed. You’d be free to sit down and really get to know each and every donor. We’d move past the simplistic “how are the kids” talks and figure out what each donor’s passion is.

Then there’s that whole “desire” thing.  Even if you could spend all that time with a $25 donor, would you?  Or is the idea of unlimited time too far out there to even comprehend?  We can look to another Hollywood creation to get a glimpse into this world, Groundhog Day. Phil got to know each and every person in the town of Punxsatawney over the course of a single day (repeated ad nauseum).  By the end of the movie, he knew everyone’s life story.  He was loved, admired, and respected.  He also took home top prize (note - largest fundraiser) in the bachelor auction. All because he took the time to get to know everyone.

How many of you would take advantage of clock stopping to cultivate donors? How many of you would be sitting under a shade tree in Akron sipping beer? What else would you do?

How many of you took a class specifically on giving or philanthropy in elementary school?  High school?  Your place of worship perhaps? Surely, college then?  No?

Instead of focused individual solicitations there needs to be more general conversations about giving. We’re giving, but are we giving enough? Every individual needs to assess the need, do some research, make their own choice, and think of different ways they can help.

How can we instill a desire for giving? Look at the big picture. Form coalitions of like-minded causes.  Share your stories. Encourage giving, any kind of giving. Avoid “us versus them” mentality.  It shakes the foundation we attempt to build upon.

For the next generation, start at home with your children or the children in your lives. Beth has some great resources on this post.  Or perhaps, the U.S. can take some lessons from our friends across the pond and start teaching about giving in primary/elementary schools.

What about you?  How were you indoctrinated into the wonderful world of giving?