4 Things Your Parents Taught You About Nonprofit Donations

The lessons we learn as children stay with us throughout our lives, and they sometimes help us out when we least expect it. The simplest bit of knowledge bestowed upon us by our parents or guardians can teach us a lot about the world we live in, and how best to navigate it.

These educational tidbits can even help your organization receive more nonprofit donations. Don’t believe it’s true? The following four pieces of parental wisdom will change your mind!

Look Both Ways Before Crossing The Street

After kids learn to walk, teaching them how to safely cross the street becomes a high priority. No one wants their child stumbling out into oncoming traffic, right? Even chimps know that taking the time to be safe and look where you’re going is key to a safe road crossing adventure.

The same lesson can be applied to nonprofit donations. Take stock of what your organization needs. Look ahead and make a plan for how you will spend your donations. Put away some savings to make sure your future is secure.

Nonprofit Donations Don’t Grow on Trees

As wonderful as it would be for money to simply appear on that tree in your front yard, it isn’t going to happen. No one wakes up in the morning, strolls out to pick up the morning paper, and finds $10 hanging from a tree branch. Whether we like it or not, we have to work in order to reap the rewards.

You aren’t a child anymore, and you are well aware that money doesn’t grow on trees. But sometimes we can all get a little too comfortable with the status quo. If your regular donors continue to give, you will be just fine — right?

Never rely entirely on historical trends. Things can change, and if you aren’t prepared, your nonprofit donations could take a hit. Don’t assume the money will be there. Continue to work hard and make sure the funds roll in.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Whether during childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood, parents are always willing to go the extra mile to help their kids. They make sure their children know early on that if they are ever in a bind, they can reach out — no matter what the reason. Even the strongest people need a helping hand once in a while.

Your organization needs donations. That is a fact that you know all too well. But if you don’t admit it and reach out to potential donors, those important nonprofit donations may never arrive.

Don’t be afraid to let your supporters know when you need help. Share with them what you need, how it will benefit your organization, and how they can make a difference. They will be glad to step up.

Say Please and Thank You

Politeness goes a long way in life. Parents are quick to teach their children the ways of polite speech. Say please when you make a request. Thank people when they do nice things for you.

As an organization, you can use this basic lesson to your advantage. When asking for nonprofit donations, remember to say please. Let supporters know how far their donation will go, and don’t try to force anyone to give. Make a polite request, not a demand. After all, as many parents and grandparents say, “You catch more flies with honey.”

Just like in everyday life, it is important to say thank you, too. When people make nonprofit donations to your organization, send them a note in the mail or give them a call to show your appreciation. The more you thank your donors, the more likely they will be to make future donations to your cause.