Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Fundraising as a Vocation, Not a Job

There are two types of people that work in nonprofit fundraising. Distinct and telling differences emerge when you examine those two types of people. Many times I am often asked why I do all I do in addition to my full time employment. My first answer usually revolves around insomnia, my second answer strikes at the core of who I am, fundraising is my passion. I fully feel that there are two types of people working in our field. Some who feel it is their day job and the rest of us that feel it is our vocation or calling. 

Growing up, I was the kid who never knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Among my lifelong dream careers were the first female NFL referee, the next Ernest Hemingway, and a  restaurant critic. Growing up, never did I say I wanted to be a donor relations professional. After trying many things from a boat captain to a pastry chef to a teacher and a bartender, when I found philanthropy, something in me changed.  We now have the opportunity to teach others about our profession, to hire the kinds of people that inspire us to do better. 

So why am I on this vocation kick? Because I meet people who are just in it for other reasons and I'm baffled. You won't become rich working in nonprofit fundraising, but boy is your heart full. The dictionary defines vocation as "a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation." The first time I heard vocation it was in 8th grade when I had to take a series of all of the vocations, including wood and metal shop, agriculture, home economics (am I dating myself?), typing, and auto shop. But I am now convinced more than ever that fundraising is my vocation. I chose higher education as my specialty for a deeply personal reason that I won't go into in this blog (let's just say it involves my Dad) but one day if you catch me at a bar over a glass of Malbec I'll try telling you without crying. 

The folks I tend to do business with, those whom I admire, and those whom are my mentors all are in this profession and see it as their vocation. I actively choose not to spend my time on and with those who see it as another job or a means to an end. They exhaust me. As some might say, they don't
"get it". 


A job is defined as, "the work that a person does regularly in order to earn money" this designates a few differentiations from a vocation. The first is that the end goal is money, anyone in nonprofit will tell you the benefits are great, the pay is not that fabulous. The second thing about a job is that it seems to have a finite end and purpose, I just cannot say that about a vocation. My vocation consumes me at times, for better or worse.

Maybe I can relate it in philanthropic terms. People who work in nonprofit fundraising as a vocation are donors, and those who see it as a job are non donors? Is that too bold a statement?

As I wax philosophical, I would love to hear your thoughts. What drives you in your career? why do you do what you do? Is it a vocation, a job, what? How do you define what you do and who you are to others? 

Cheers,
Lynne

9 comments:

  1. Lynne -- terrific post. I would say that your second vocation could be writing -- nice work!

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  2. When I was an undergrad finishing my PR degree, I wasn't sure which direction to go. I enjoyed the discipline, but this vague, broad field somewhat frightened me. A professor suggested I take a meeting with the university's planned giving officer, who also oversaw all institutional crisis management. When we sat down to meet, she thought she was going to be telling me about how to manage a crisis and institutional branding. Instead, we spent hours discussing fundraising. What piqued my interest was when she said that she, "Invites constituents be a part of a never-ending legacy, something larger than life that will benefit generations to come." I was hooked.

    Like you, I feel that this is more than just a day job. Being a specialist of higher ed (not just advancement, but student and academic affairs), I suppose I romanticize the role of an educator and those playing supporting roles in education (ie, us). Being part of something larger than life really is what we do. My day job is in a music school and my biggest client is in health science. Like most students, I know that those who I impact through my efforts will continue to touch the lives of countless individuals through performance, teaching, and medical practice.

    As always, great insights, Lynne!
    Cheers,
    Matthew
    www.bold-pr.com

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  3. Yes, it is a vocation and feeling born to do something makes it so worthwhile. It is never about the money its about the passion that you bring to what you do. I have loved development since high school when I raised money for Danny Thomas. I believe education allows us to make a difference in the world. My father was poor growing up and because of scholarships to high school and college he was able to provide a great life for his family. I am privileged that I am able to assist in ensuring others may have the same opportunity. What a gift to see others benefit from the donations made to the University of Louisville. I am grateful everyday for our donors.

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  4. I fell into this vocation as well. You can't beat speaking with a donor and knowing that they go away feeling like they really are making a difference in a cause they care about. Building connections that change the world is a pretty amazing days 'work'.

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  5. I absolutely love what I do. My reward is connecting our students with those who are supporting them and then hearing back from the donors how happy they are that they chose to support our organization. Many of our students face barriers to completing their education and their stories are truly inspirational.

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  7. Derrick, we don't allow advertisements on my blog. Thank you, if your commentary doesn't have links, we welcome it but no spamming or promotions here! Thanks

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  8. Great post and advice Lynn for any profession.

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  9. Well said, Lynne! I've always thought of what I do as a career but I love how the definition of vocation sums it up perfect. My heart is full every time I hear one of our students' stories and am able to share it with a donor.

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