I have been involved in conservation work in one form or another for the past ten years. I have to say that more than anything else the part that I dislike the most has always been having to raise money.
Conservation requires resources, primarily money which a lot of organizations simply do not have. I came across this paragraph today about fundraising and just had to share it. It expresses so succinctly what I wish I could say when I am working to acquire funding.
“You are incredibly good at making money. I’m incredibly good at making change. The change I want to make in the world, unfortunately, does not itself generate much money. But man oh man does it make change. It’s a hugely important change. And what I know about making this change is as good and as important as what you know about making money. So let’s divide and conquer – you keep on making money, I’ll keep on making change. And if you can lend some of your smarts to the change I’m trying to make, well that’s even better. But most of the time, we both keep on doing what we’re best at, and if we keep on working together the world will be a better place.”
From now on every time I start to feel a little dejected about getting another “no” I am going to think about this statement and remember that I am good at making change. Really good at it and that all I need to do is to make sure that those with the resources also know it.
Tomorrow is another day.
(Quote: Sasha Dichter)
