What Seeds Are You Planting? Overcoming Misconceptions

Martin L. Novom, CFRE is one of several brilliant minds providing focused leadership to the philanthropic industry. In the popular industry text he edited, The Fundraising Feasibility Study: It's Not About the Money, he states on page 2, "I am still surprised at the frequency of telephone solicitations I receive from local police and fire fraternal organizations, which are generally conducted by companies that give back only a fraction of the revenue to these organizations."

You may read more about the Iowa impact of such perceptions and realities here. Like Marvin, I am still surprised at the number of times people comment on this perception of fire department fundraising when I start conversations with them about the focus of FlashPoint Fundraising.

This is a classic case of the challenge of perception being reality. The stories of fundraising efforts that provide maximum benefit to the people local fire departments serve aren't getting told often enough. Those stories include:

1. The Robins Fire Department hosts a pancake breakfast each May that includes amazing community participation. Most supplies are donated and all proceeds support education and equipment needs for this all-volunteer team.

2. The Waterville Fire Department hosts a smelt fire and car cruise event that provides significant support to this all-volunteer Northeast Iowa team and their coverage area of more than 100 square miles.

3. The Sigourney Fire Department conducts a successful annual direct mail campaign that has grown each year in its impact on the equipment and education needed to cover fire and EMS calls in their 110 square mile coverage area for this all-volunteer team.

These are just three examples of seeds the amazing men and women of the Iowa Fire Service are planting. With continued effort, these seeds will become strong trees that help overcome the negative community perception that comes with the impact of high cost telemarketing of fire department funding needs.

What seeds are you planting? Contact dawnsh@gmail.com to have your cultivation efforts featured in a future blog. Best wishes for your incredible calling!