What’s Fun About Fundraising?

Post #29

This past week, candidates for state office paused our fundraising efforts to prepare a financial report. We will be judged on viability, as evidenced by the depth and breadth of our supporters and donations.  As my treasurer/husband works on the detail of the report, I reflected that the questions I get asked almost more than any other concern raising money.  How do I do it?  Isn’t it hard?  Are people reluctant to give to a challenger?  Has the recession hurt?

As I previously posted, I have been working in campaigns since 1980.  Inspired by federal, state, and local candidates, I have donated money, volunteered my time, and solicited both time and money from my friends on behalf of others. That's much easier than asking for money for one’s own campaign, let me tell you!

In 1994 when I first ran for the House of Delegates, I thought that donations would be seen as gifts to me in some way; this initially made asking for financial support pretty awkward. A mentor coached me to see things from a different perspective, pointing out that my contributors are expressing their desire for new leadership or to show their support for an advocate on their priority issues.  It’s not so much me personally that moves them to give, as it is the issues and characteristics that I represent for them.

To me, it’s not the amount of the donation that matters (though bigger gifts certainly help pay for more campaign “stuff” than do smaller ones).  A donation is symbolic of the engagement of voters in their government and in the political process.  I am touched by even a $10 check, as it is coming from someone expressing faith in my candidacy and style of leadership.  No matter the amount, all donors have joined my “team” and are sending me a positive sign that they might be willing to help in other ways as well. 

It may not be “fun” to dial-for-dollars leading up to an event or a fundraising deadline, but it yields measurable value that symbolizes the strength of one’s candidacy, and connects me in an even stronger way to those I hope to serve.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  What are your intentions when you donate to a candidate?  Have you ever raised funds for a cause or candidate and how did that go?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#29) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.